Shillong, Jan 9: The state is ready to set its own benchmark in providing education to the future generation of students and build a brand of its own in the education sector by establishing Pine Mount International Schools in three identified locations in the state, including Doldegre near Tura.

With this objective in view, Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma unveiled the foundation for construction of Pine Mount International School at Doldegre in the presence of Tura North MLA Noverfield Marak, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh, President of Nokma Council, S.G. Momin, Nokmas and other local leaders, academicians, teachers, parents and a large number of students on Tuesday.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister along with other dignitaries distributed mobile tablets to students of class XI and XII under the Students’ Digital Learning Aid Scheme.

In his address, the Chief Minister expressed happiness to carry forward the project which is long overdue.

We want to build a brand of our own and now it is time to leverage upon the brand Pine Mount,” he said.

Unlike Pine Mount School in Shillong, the Pine Mount International will be co-ed and both residential and non-residential, the Chief Minister informed.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Nokma of Doldegre A’king and family for having been generous enough to donate the land for the purpose.

Three such schools will be opened in the state, one each in Khasi Hills, Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills.

He was optimistic that the opening of the school in a scenic and healthy environment like Doldegre, education in itself would generate opportunities to promote tourism in the region.

Distributing the tablets under Students’ Digital Learning Aid Scheme, the Chief Minister said that education ultimately becomes the instrument that brings complete socio-economic change in the society and urged the students to make full use of the tablets as they contain virtually everything needed for students to prepare themselves for the future.