Shillong, September 06: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma today inaugurated the College Building of Mairang Presbyterian Science College at Lumsohkhlur, Mairang, West Khasi Hills District in the presence of Chairman MGCC, Mr R V Lyngdoh, MLA of Mairang, Mr M Lyngdoh, Mairang MDC, Mr R S Rani, Syiem of Hima Nongkhlaw, Pa’iem P M Syiem and also the Executive Chairman of MBOSE, Mr E P Kharbhih among others.
It may be mentioned that Mairang Presbyterian Science College which was established in 2006 is the only Science College in West Khasi Hills District and interestingly it is also the only College in the State which is devoted exclusively to the teaching of Science and Mathematics. The College is provisionally affiliated to the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) while its Higher Secondary Section is under the Meghalaya Board of School Education. The College was established with the main objective to provide access to higher education in Science and Mathematics particularly to the majority of the economically disadvantaged rural students who could not afford to pursue higher studies in Science in Shillong or other places outside the District.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mukul said that the founders of Mairang Presbyterian College are far sighted by setting up the exclusive college dedicated for Science education which is very crucial in promoting Science and Technology education in the State particularly in generating manpower for the growth and development of the State.
Dr Mukul said that it is the endeavour of the State Government to provide infrastructural support to all Colleges having Science as one of the streams so as to encourage and motivate the students to study science. He also informed that special scholarship will also be given to students who pursue studies in science.
“We need to strategise our approach in improving the Education sector in the State so that the future generations do not land up in frustration for not being able to find a job or employment”, said Dr Mukul.
Dr Mukul also informed that the process of setting up of the 3 International Schools in the State will be completed soon. “We need to have our own Engineering and Medical colleges in the State and produce our own Doctors, Engineers, Professors and other professionals and be self reliant in the availability of man power”, he added.
While referring to the overall development of the State, Dr Mukul said that development strategy must be in the right track and all should ensure that the development process is not derailed. “Everyday is important”, he stressed while stating that protests in the form of bandh calls and office picketing are affecting the progress of the State in different ways.
He said that there are other ways of protesting without affecting the development process. “We have existing laws like the Land Transfer Act, Benami Act, Tenancy Law etc. which we can strengthen and make them more stringent to check illegal migration. This can be done by thoroughly discussing and deliberating on the existing laws to make them more effective” he added while stating that implementation of the Inner Line Permit is not the solution.
“Meghalaya is known as one of the most progressive States in the country, let us not disturb the trend instead we should work together to ensure that the aspirations of the people of the State are achieved”, Dr Mukul said. Among others who spoke were Chairman MGCC, Mr R V Lyngdoh, MLA of Mairang, Mr M Lyngdoh, Mairang MDC, Mr R S Rani among others. (SP News)
