Shillong, June 3: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has said that education remains one of the most challenging sectors in Meghalaya due to the vast number of schools and teachers across the state. However, he emphasized that the government is continuing its efforts to improve the quality of education and strengthen educational infrastructure.
Speaking at a felicitation programme for Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) toppers at his residence in Polo, Shillong, the Chief Minister stated that Meghalaya has nearly 15,000 schools and over 55,000 teachers. He noted that many institutions, particularly government schools, have very low student enrolment, making school rationalisation and consolidation a complex task.
According to the Chief Minister, the state spends approximately ₹3,500 crore annually on education, representing nearly 30 percent of Meghalaya’s total budget. Despite this significant allocation, he said meaningful transformation in the education sector requires time, resources, and sustained planning.
Describing the challenges involved, Sangma compared the education system to a tangled web that requires careful and systematic reforms.
“Education is like a tangled web of threads. You have to carefully untangle and fix each one without damaging another. If you try to pull everything at once, it only creates more complications,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister pointed out that many schools in the past lacked basic infrastructure, prompting the government to invest substantially in classrooms, toilets, and other essential facilities.
Highlighting recent progress, he said students appearing for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) no longer need to travel outside Meghalaya to sit for the examination. He added that examination facilities within the state have improved considerably and that the government plans to establish additional examination centres in the future.
Sangma also informed that Meghalaya now has its own Medical College, Law College, and College of Architecture and Urban Planning. He said the government is further working towards establishing Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Husbandry Colleges to expand higher education opportunities for the state’s youth.
Congratulating the HSSLC toppers, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of recognition and encouragement in motivating students to excel. He said the felicitation programme was organised to acknowledge their hard work and achievements and to convey the pride of the government and people of Meghalaya.
“We simply want to tell you that we are proud of you. Your hard work, sacrifices, and dedication over the years have borne fruit today. This programme is a small gesture of recognition and appreciation for your achievements,” he said.
The Chief Minister extended his best wishes to the toppers and encouraged them to continue pursuing excellence in their academic and professional journeys.
