Shillong, Dec 9: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday highlighted the visible benefits of the state education department’s increased budget, which has risen from Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 3,500 crore in recent years, marking the highest allocation to date.

Addressing a program at Nartiang Presbyterian Higher Secondary School, Sangma said the additional funding is translating into the transformative changes envisioned by the government. Since 2018, education has been a key priority for the Meghalaya administration, reflected in the substantial rise in budget allocation.

The chief minister emphasized that education goes beyond textbooks and degrees, stating that it also nurtures children into individuals of strong character by instilling discipline, faith, patriotism, respect for elders, hard work, commitment, and a sense of purpose.

Sangma noted that Meghalaya, despite its smaller population, has around 14,000 schools significantly more than Tripura’s 4,000 and Manipur’s 5,000 and employs 55,000 teachers, surpassing Manipur’s 36,000 and Tripura’s 40,000. He acknowledged challenges arising from this high density, including 206 schools with full teaching staff but no students and about 2,000 schools with 5–7 teachers for only one to five students, describing rationalization of such institutions as a sensitive issue.

The chief minister also said the government is finalizing a structured salary system for ad hoc and SSA teachers, which will provide job security, annual increments, and retirement benefits, with decisions expected before Christmas.

Sangma added that the government is evaluating the demand for science streams in higher secondary schools to ensure students can pursue their desired subjects without limitations. He announced Rs 20 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund for the development of the Nartiang Presbyterian school building and said the state is collaborating with the Centre to establish girls’ hostels, expanding educational opportunities for female students.

Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar commemorated the school’s 50-year journey, praising the combined efforts of the community, teachers, and management committee. The Golden Jubilee celebrations included the release of the school’s souvenir and cultural programs, including the school anthem and a fusion dance performance by students.