Tura, July, 21: Meghalaya has significantly increased its investment in the education sector, with the state’s current annual education budget estimated at around ₹3,347 crore to ₹3,500 crore, MDC from Tura Bernard N. Marak said in a press release.
Marak stated that over the past 12 years, various multilateral and state-led initiatives have resulted in substantial targeted investments aimed at strengthening education across Meghalaya.
Highlighting some of the major educational funding initiatives, he said the World Bank-funded MPOWER Project, worth $35 million (approximately ₹290 crore), has been approved to reduce school dropout rates, improve learning outcomes for students from Grades 6 to 12 and support the transition of around half a million adolescents from school to employment.
He also highlighted the Mission Education initiative, under which more than ₹457 crore has reportedly been invested in upgrading over 2,200 rural and remote government schools. The initiative includes the construction of new classrooms, toilets and provision of modern amenities.
According to Marak, the State Government allocates around 15 per cent of its annual budget to the education sector, with allocations amounting to approximately ₹3,654 crore in recent fiscal years to support more than 14,000 schools across the State.
On higher education, he said more than ₹145 crore has been committed towards infrastructure development, including the construction of new colleges and the establishment of state-of-the-art Film and Music institutes.
Marak further pointed out that Meghalaya also receives substantial financial support through Centrally Sponsored Schemes such as Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and PM-USHA, which are aimed at strengthening educational infrastructure, promoting equity and improving higher education facilities.
He said the sustained investments reflect the efforts being made to improve the quality of education and expand opportunities for students and youth across Meghalaya.
