Shillong, Feb 13: The Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today inaugurated the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Samanda, Rikwarenggre in East Garo Hills district, marking the commencement of the institution’s academic session.
The programme was attended by Marcuise N. Marak, Minister of Housing, PHE Department and Soil & Water Conservation Department, and other dignitaries.
The programme began with registration of participants, including EMRS students, parents and local leaders. The Chief Guest and other dignitaries were ceremonially escorted by the Wangala troupe, followed by the unveiling of the commemorative plaque.
In his address, the Chief Minister described the inauguration as a memorable and gratifying occasion that marked another important addition to the state’s education infrastructure.
Recalling the vision of late P. A. Sangma and his deep faith in education, he said ongoing efforts to reform and transform the state’s education system made the inauguration especially meaningful.
Emphasizing the importance of education, he stated that “education is the biggest agent of change and the biggest development for a nation, state and society,” and added that investing in quality schools and colleges for the youth would yield long-term benefits.
Highlighting reforms introduced in the education sector since 2018, the Chief Minister said nearly 80 percent of LP and UP schools across the state have been renovated or provided with new buildings where required.
He noted that the MBOSE syllabus has been upgraded and the examination system streamlined, while the introduction of CM Impact Books for Class X students contributed to a 96 percent pass percentage in last year’s SSLC examinations.
He added that the government would extend renovation efforts to Ad Hoc, SSA and deficit schools, and that the pay structure of SSA teachers has been finalized, bringing positive changes to the sector.
Stressing the need for a supportive ecosystem, he said, “we need to create a conducive and secure educational environment not only for students but for teachers as well.”
The Chief Minister informed that there are 38 EMRS schools across the state and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Prime Minister for their continued support.
Responding to requests from the school authorities, he announced that 20 computers would be funded for the institution under the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund and assured that issues relating to telecom connectivity would be taken up with the concerned authorities. He also requested the PHE Minister to follow up on improving water supply to the school.
Addressing the gathering, Marcuise N. Marak thanked the A’king Nokma for donating land for the school and said the institution would benefit students from Samanda and adjoining areas. He noted that faculty from different parts of the country would expose students to diverse cultural experiences and promote national integration.
Urging students to study diligently and make full use of the opportunity, he stressed that education is key to development and called on parents to actively support their children’s education.
He emphasized the importance of preserving local languages, including Garo, Khasi and Jaintia, while encouraging students to learn Hindi, observing that teachers from different states would help students gain fluency and strengthen their communication skills.
In his keynote address, Dr. M. Nandagopal, Principal, EMRS, Samanda, described the Eklavya Model Residential Schools as an initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, launched in 1997–98 to provide quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe students in remote areas.
He said each EMRS is designed to accommodate about 480 students and is equipped with modern facilities, including science and computer laboratories and libraries.
He informed that the Samanda EMRS is currently functioning up to Class VIII with 130 students, with 50 additional admissions scheduled this month. Enrolment is expected to rise to 220 in the next academic session and will expand annually until full capacity is reached.
The school follows the CBSE curriculum to ensure students from remote areas remain academically competitive. He added that East Garo Hills is set to have three EMRS schools, two of which are already operational, in line with the government’s objective of establishing such schools in tribal-dominated blocks.
He stated that EMRS institutions prepare students for higher education, competitive examinations and professional careers, serving as an important instrument of social empowerment.
Others who spoke on the occasion included East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner R. P. Marak, who delivered the welcome address, and Samar Dey, Jt. DSEL, East Garo Hills, Williamnagar, who proposed the vote of thanks. Musical and cultural performances were presented by students of EMRS, JNV, Williamnagar and Do’kua CLF.
