Tura, November 30 : In a landmark step towards supporting higher education and student welfare, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today released the Umbrella Post-Matric Scholarship for the academic year 2024–2025, amounting to ₹130 crore and benefiting approximately 70,000 students across Meghalaya.
The scholarship release ceremony was held at the District Auditorium, Tura, in the presence of Education Minister Lakhmen Rymbui, Commissioner & Secretary (Education) Vijay Kumar Mantri, Deputy Commissioner (West Garo Hills) Vibhor Aggarwal, and Director of Higher & Technical Education Hazel D.B. Sangma.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that this release marks the second and final instalment of the Umbrella Post-Matric Scholarship. “We are releasing the scholarship from our own resources, even though we have not yet received the funds from the Central Government,” he said.
He explained that the state government took this advance decision to ensure students do not face financial hardship due to delays in central disbursement. The delay was beyond our control, but we decided to step in and ensure that students get their scholarships on time,” the Chief Minister added.
He also mentioned that the state has now established a new mechanism in coordination with the Government of India, allowing advance scholarship transfers — a reform that was not previously possible.
The Chief Minister informed that once the ₹130 crore is released to the Meghalaya Rural Bank, it will take a few days for account verification and fund processing before students receive the money directly in their bank accounts. He urged students to ensure that their Aadhaar is linked to their bank accounts to facilitate smooth transactions.
Highlighting the government’s focus on education, Conrad K. Sangma described it as a “top priority sector” and announced ongoing reforms to benefit both students and teachers. “A major reform is underway to resolve the long-pending issues faced by our Ad Hoc and SSA teachers. We are very close to finalising a solution that can be implemented from the next financial year,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming Meghalaya’s education system, not only through scholarships but also by addressing structural and administrative challenges.
With thousands of students joining the event virtually from 200 locations across the state, the Chief Minister used the occasion to outline his government’s vision for Meghalaya’s youth.
He presented flagship initiatives such as CM Elevate, YESS Meghalaya, PRIME, MGMP, STAR, and Hello Meghalaya, alongside programmes in sports, music, and research, designed to create entrepreneurship and skill-based opportunities. “Entrepreneurship and skilling of the youth are critical for the state’s growth story,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the state’s economic roadmap extends up to 2047, with policies designed to build a $10 billion economy and make Meghalaya one of India’s leading states. “You, the youth, will be in the driver’s seat to take us into that phase. We believe in you and in your ability to shape Meghalaya’s future,” he stated.
In his address, Education Minister Lakhmen Rymbui described the day as a “red-letter moment” for Meghalaya’s student community. “We will continue to live up to our commitment to make education accessible for all and to transform the education landscape of the state,” he said.
The event, attended by heads of institutions, teachers, students, and education department officials, reaffirmed the government’s focus on inclusive and sustainable development through education.
