Shillong: Meghalaya is the only state in the Northeast that supports private schools through grant-in-aid, benefiting over 4,000 institutions, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Thursday.
The chief minister was speaking at the Closing Ceremony of the Platinum Jubilee Celebration of Nongkrem Government Upper Primary School in East Khasi Hills.
Sangma highlighted that the state government spends a total of Rs. 1,967 crore on teacher salaries, including Rs. 684 crore for government school teachers and Rs. 917 crore for ad hoc staff and private school support.
“No other state in the Northeast provides such backing to private schools,” he noted.
While congratulating Nongkrem School for its 75-year journey, the chief minister said that the government acknowledge the contributions of past principals, teachers, and students in shaping the institution.
Emphasising the importance of human capital for state development, he said government initiatives in infrastructure, teacher salaries, and sports and educational programs are all linked to youth development.
“The greatest investment any government can make is in human capital. Without it, other investments are meaningless,” he added.
Sangma acknowledged that learning outcomes are not yet at the desired level and stressed the need for enhanced teacher training and holistic development.
Quoting a Chinese proverb, he said, “Investing in people yields long-term benefits, and nurturing students will provide returns for eternity.”
On the demand to upgrade the school to Secondary or Higher Secondary level, he said consultations are needed but assured support for smart classrooms, computer labs, and musical instruments through the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF).
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Sangma also shared his personal connection to Nongkrem and pledged continued government support for the area’s development and welfare.
During the programme, he released the Platinum Jubilee Souvenir. B. J. Kharshandi, Director of the Directorate of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), praised the school for maintaining high educational standards despite a modest enrolment of 128 students and 12 teachers, highlighting the importance of quality education, rigorous teacher recruitment, and teachers’ dedication in ensuring effective learning.
