Shillong, September 10: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and PWD Minister Prestone Tynsong on Thursday inaugurated the newly constructed RMSA building of Nongsangu Secondary School in Ri-Bhoi district, marking a major boost to education infrastructure in the rural area.
The new building, constructed at a cost of ₹1.50 crore under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), was completed within the stipulated timeframe under the supervision of the Education Department.
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, senior officials from the Education and Public Works departments, representatives of the Nongsangu Dorbar Shnong and School Managing Committee, teachers, students and local residents attended the inaugural programme.
Addressing the gathering, Tynsong announced that the State Government would provide ₹15 lakh for the renovation and improvement of the school’s old building.
He said strengthening educational infrastructure remains a priority of the Government, particularly in rural areas where schools continue to face shortages of classrooms and other essential facilities.
Tynsong commended the Nongsangu Dorbar Shnong, School Managing Committee, teachers, parents and local residents for their contribution to the development of the institution. He urged the community to continue working closely with the school authorities to improve enrolment and ensure that children receive quality education.
He also stressed the importance of effectively implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) and strengthening the education system from the primary to the secondary and higher-secondary levels.
The Deputy Chief Minister observed that infrastructure alone cannot guarantee quality education, saying qualified and committed teachers, effective school management, parental involvement and active community participation are equally important for the overall development of students.
Rymbui stresses community role
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, who attended the programme as the guest of honour, praised the Nongsangu Dorbar Shnong and School Managing Committee for their collective efforts in developing the institution.
Rymbui said the progress of a school cannot depend solely on government assistance and requires the active cooperation of teachers, parents, the Dorbar Shnong, the managing committee and the wider community.
He said a safe and well-equipped school building is essential for creating a conducive learning environment, but stressed that infrastructure must be complemented by dedicated teachers, effective management and regular attendance by students.
Describing education as a shared responsibility, Rymbui urged parents to encourage and guide their children and ensure regular attendance.
He also asked the school authorities to properly maintain the newly inaugurated building and ensure that its facilities are used for the benefit of students.
School has around 350 students
Nongsangu Secondary School, located under Umsning Block in Mawhati constituency, currently serves around 350 students.
The institution was established by Raid Umsaw Nongbri in 1997 and was later handed over to the Nongsangu Dorbar Shnong for its management and further development.
Nongsangu headman B.K. Timung highlighted several outstanding requirements of the school, including the need for a proper kitchen for preparing mid-day meals. Although ₹60,000 had been sanctioned by the Government for the facility, he said the amount was insufficient to construct a suitable kitchen.
He also raised the shortage of one teacher and sought a boundary fence, additional classrooms and the upgradation of the school to the higher-secondary level.
School authorities said the absence of Classes XI and XII in the area forces many students to travel long distances or discontinue their education. They claimed that around 11 students had dropped out within one year due to the difficulties in continuing their studies.
According to the authorities, nearly 15 surrounding villages do not have access to a higher-secondary school, posing a major challenge for students seeking to pursue education beyond the secondary level.
Dorbar seeks road improvement
Nongsangu village has around 250 households and an estimated population of 1,500.
During the programme, the Dorbar Shnong submitted a memorandum to Tynsong seeking the construction and improvement of the Nongsangu–Umdohkha–Jagi road.
Community leaders said improved road connectivity would benefit residents and make it easier for students from neighbouring villages to reach the school and continue their education at higher levels.
