SHILLONG, APR 6: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has urged KHADC Executive Member and Mawthadraishan MDC Powell Sohkhlet to allocate funds from his MDC scheme for repairing and renovating dilapidated school buildings, dismissing allegations of bias in the allocation of school repairing funds.
“I am unsure who is making this allegation and on what grounds, so I cannot respond to it. However, since 2018, we have made it a priority to repair and renovate school buildings, as part of our mission to provide quality education to students. This year, we have sanctioned repairs for 186 schools, including those that have introduced arts streams in higher secondary schools,” Rymbui told reporters on Tuesday, while responding to Sohkhlet’s allegations.
Rymbui suggested that KHADC EM Powell Sohkhlet should utilize his MDC scheme for school repairs, stating, “As MDC, he too has his own scheme to repair schools. So, he should have earmarked more funds…”
The Minister highlighted the government’s efforts, saying, “We’ve sanctioned 186 schools under Mission-IV, and this will continue. We’re trying our best, but it’s a work in progress.”
Rymbui emphasized the need for cooperation, saying, “I urge all stakeholders to join hands with the government. Instead of making allegations, let’s appreciate the government’s initiative and work together for the benefit of students.”
He credited Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s leadership, saying, “Had it not been for the chief minister, we wouldn’t have achieved this. He’s made education a top priority, and we’re seeing results.”
Rymbui appealed for unity, saying, “Let’s refrain from pointing fingers and work together for the education ecosystem in the state. The benefit is for the students, not individuals.”
By Our Reporter
