Nongpoh, September 28: The Meghalaya Government’s initiative to improve and upgrade government school infrastructure has reached Pahamrioh in Ri-Bhoi district, where the foundation stone for a new building of Pahamrioh Government LP School was laid on Monday.
Nongpoh MLA Mayral Born Syiem laid the foundation stone for the new school building, which will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹70.18 lakh.
The Pahamrioh Government LP School has a long history in the locality. The school was initially started by the women’s organisation through the Khawkham Sub-Committee of the Presbyterian Church, Pahamrioh. It was later taken over by the District Council before eventually being brought under the Meghalaya Government’s list of government schools.
However, the existing school building has been in poor condition and has not provided adequate facilities for students. The present structure is an Assam-type building, prompting the need for a new and more suitable school building.
With the construction of the new building, students are expected to receive improved infrastructure and a better learning environment.
The foundation stone-laying programme was attended by students, parents and residents of Pahamrioh. The students also presented songs and traditional dances as part of the programme.
Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Saini attended the programme as the guest of honour. Also present were officials from the District School Education Office and Sub-Divisional School Education Office, along with Pahamrioh Rangbah Shnong and School Managing Committee Chairman N.N. Ryndong, Dong representative Dr W. Khongjoh and other community members.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Mayral Born Syiem said foundation stone-laying programmes were important because they formally marked the beginning of government-funded development projects and allowed local residents to know about the allocation of public funds for infrastructure in their area.
He said such programmes also helped ensure transparency by informing people about the projects being undertaken by the government in their respective localities.
The MLA urged the school authorities to make arrangements for a temporary learning facility as soon as possible since the existing building would have to be demolished to make way for the new structure.
He also appealed to the contractor to complete the construction work at the earliest so that the education of the students would not be disrupted.
