Shillong, December 10 : The Platinum Jubilee Celebration (1950–2025) of Umphyrnai Presbyterian School (L.P. Section) concluded today at the school campus with a grand closing ceremony graced by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma as Chief Guest and Lambor Malngiang, Ex-MLA, as Guest of Honour. Church leaders, village authorities and members of the school community were also present at the milestone event.
Following the unveiling of the Jubilee Tablet, the Chief Minister congratulated the institution for completing 75 years of service, praising its steadfast contribution to education in the village.
He highlighted that since 2018, education has remained a core priority of the government, with numerous LP, UP, secondary, higher secondary schools and colleges upgraded through state intervention programmes. “The foundation has been laid, and step by step, the infrastructure in our schools is improving,” he noted.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges related to teacher qualification standards but stated that many educators who earlier did not meet national norms are now progressing steadily with government support.
He described Meghalaya’s education system as “highly fragmented,” with nearly 25 teachers’ associations across categories, complicating administrative processes. He emphasised the need for empathetic policy-making: “We must take decisions with empathy, and while fixing the system, we must carry everyone along.”
The Chief Minister announced that the government is finalising a major restructuring of the salary system for nearly 20,000 ad hoc and SSA teachers, aimed at providing stability, clarity of increments and long-term security. “It is not the government system, but it is a new system that offers stability,” he said.
He also underlined the government’s annual expenditure of ₹1,200 crore on grant-in-aid for deficit and ad hoc schools and colleges, describing it as “an investment in society.”
In a significant announcement, the Chief Minister pledged ₹20 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund for the extension of the school building, along with musical instruments for the institution. He commended the school’s Principal for her decades of service, noting that she first joined the school in 1978. “It is truly inspiring that a student of this school is today the Principal,” he said.
Earlier, Rev. C. Lamare delivered the Welcome Address, reflecting on the school’s 75-year journey and honouring the contributions of teachers, church members, managing committees, parents and students.
Headmistress B. Kharumnuid presented the school’s history, noting: The school began before 1950 under the Umphyrnai Presbyterian Church, Upgraded to Upper Primary in 1995, Upgraded to Secondary level in 2005, with permission to operate granted in 2010, Received full MBOSE affiliation in 2015
She highlighted the school’s strong academic record, often achieving 100% SSLC pass rates, and shared that the school currently has 380 students and 16 teachers.
A total of 48 students will appear for the SSLC Examination 2026. As part of its Jubilee vision, the school now aims to introduce a Higher Secondary section.
Village Headman L. Kharkongor expressed optimism that the institution would continue to uphold its mission with commitment and perseverance.
