Nongstoin, October 15: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday said the State Government has allocated Rs 3,500 crore for education out of its annual budget of Rs 30,000 crore, underscoring its commitment to improving educational infrastructure and learning outcomes across the state.
The Chief Minister made the announcement while inaugurating the newly constructed building of Synod College, Nongstoin, along with its library and interactive smart classrooms. The programme was attended by Minister Methodius Dkhar, MLA Gabriel Wahlang and MLA R.G. Momin.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma said education remained the foundation of societal progress and highlighted the government’s efforts over the past eight years to reform and restructure the education system, from the grassroots level to higher education. He said the Meghalaya Education Policy had been developed with the assistance of experts to identify the root causes of challenges facing the sector rather than merely focusing on indicators such as the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) pass percentage.
As part of the reforms, the Chief Minister informed that the state’s school network had been rationalised from approximately 14,000 schools to 11,500 through the merger of institutions. Highlighting the expansion of higher education, Sangma said the government had added 10 government higher technical institutions and colleges over the past eight years, significantly increasing opportunities for students. He cited institutions such as Shillong Engineering College, Captain Williamson Sangma University, the College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shillong Medical College, and science and commerce colleges at Mahendraganj, Mawphlang and Sohra.
Speaking on the education budget, Sangma said the sector received the highest allocation of Rs 3,500 crore and emphasised that the effective utilisation of funds was more important than the amount allocated. “The question is not lack of money. The question is how you spend it and what is the impact of that spending,” he stated.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to ensure timely disbursement of scholarships, informing that nearly Rs 400 crore had been released over the preceding 12 months. He said the releases included Rs 100 crore before Christmas in 2025, another Rs 100 crore on August 27, 2026, and Rs 104 crore on October 13, 2026.
Describing education reform as a complex process, Sangma compared it to untangling a knotted headphone wire, explaining that challenges must be addressed patiently and systematically while involving all stakeholders. He also shared advice from his father, saying, “Believe you are doing the right thing and someone above will move the universe to make it happen.” Sangma said the government continued to work with that conviction while exploring innovative ways to secure funding for important development projects.
Assuring the governing body of Synod College of continued government support, the Chief Minister acknowledged the financial challenges involved in expanding infrastructure and meeting salary requirements. “Do not worry. What you are doing is right. You are doing good for society, for every child who would not have the opportunity to study in an institute like this,” he said, assuring that the government would work with the institution to find solutions.
He also appreciated the contributions of Rev. S.S. Majaw and the Presbyterian Church towards the development of education in Meghalaya, stating that their efforts had served the larger interests of society.
The newly inaugurated college building, equipped with a library and interactive smart classrooms, is expected to strengthen educational infrastructure and provide improved learning facilities for students from across West Khasi Hills.
