Shillong, October 17: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Saturday announced financial assistance of Rs 30 lakh to Mawkyllei College in West Khasi Hills during its 15th Foundation Day celebration held at Dorbar Lyngdoh Nonglait Ground. The Chief Minister announced Rs 25 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant for the college and an additional Rs 5 lakh for students to purchase music and sports equipment. Mawthadraishan MLA Shakliar Warjri attended the programme as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma congratulated the institution on completing 15 years and acknowledged the contributions of its founders, teachers, students, parents and the local community in establishing and sustaining the college.
Paying tribute to the late Hopingstone Lyngdoh, whom he described as the founder and architect of Mawkyllei College and a great leader of Meghalaya, Sangma recalled his close association with his father, the late P.A. Sangma, and their families. “On this day I pay my respects and gratitude to Late Hopingstone Lyngdoh, the founder and architect of this college and a great leader of our state,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of education in bringing positive change to society, the Chief Minister said the sector remained one of the government’s top priorities. “For us as a government, education has been a top priority,” he said.
Highlighting the reforms undertaken since 2018, Sangma said Meghalaya had made significant progress in education through increased budgetary allocations, improved pass percentages in board examinations, better Performance Grading Index (PGI) rankings and the establishment of new colleges and higher and technical educational institutions.
He also pointed to the construction of new school buildings and the renovation and upgrading of existing educational infrastructure across the state. “Education has seen a change and we are moving in the right direction, but our journey is far from completion with a lot more to do in this sector,” he stated.
Acknowledging that several challenges remained, Sangma called for collective efforts from all stakeholders to further improve the education system. He said the government was committed to expanding higher education opportunities, particularly in rural areas, to ensure that students did not have to travel long distances or face financial difficulties in pursuing their studies.
The Chief Minister also informed that the government was extending support to several schools and colleges and working on a policy to provide assistance to educational institutions performing well and creating greater opportunities for students.
Urging Mawkyllei College to focus on improving academic standards and strengthening student mentoring, Sangma said the institution should prepare students for higher studies, employment and service to society. “The first fifteen years have widened access to higher education and laid a strong community foundation. The next phase should build on this progress by strengthening academic quality, mentoring students more effectively and preparing them for higher studies, employment and service to society,” he said.
Established on June 6, 2011, Mawkyllei College was the result of an initiative by the local village community to address the difficulties faced by students who could not afford to pursue higher education in distant towns after completing Class XII. The institution was established through the collective efforts of the community with strong support from the late Hopingstone Lyngdoh. Over the years, the college has grown steadily and currently caters to more than 150 students, with over 18 teaching and non-teaching staff.
The institution has played an important role in providing higher education opportunities to students from Mawkyllei and surrounding areas, particularly those from economically disadvantaged families. Sangma expressed hope that the college would continue to improve its academic standards and expand its contribution to higher education in Meghalaya in the years ahead.
