Shillong, July 02: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mr. Conrad K. Sangma today inaugurated the newly constructed Boarding Building of Pine Mount School in the presence of Lahkmen Rymbui, marking the fulfillment of a promise made to students following concerns raised over poor hostel infrastructure in 2022.
Recalling his visit to the school in October 2022, the Chief Minister said that he was deeply moved by the challenges faced by the boarders, who had highlighted issues such as leaking roofs, damaged floors, and unsafe living conditions.
“When I visited the school in 2022, I interacted with the students and saw firsthand the difficulties they were going through. The condition of the hostel was not just uncomfortable, but it affected their overall well-being and learning environment,” he said.
Responding to their concerns, the Chief Minister had directed immediate intervention and assured the students that the boarding facilities would be rebuilt. Returning to the campus today, he expressed immense satisfaction at seeing that assurance translated into reality.
“It gives me great satisfaction to be back at Pine Mount School today to inaugurate this new Boarding Building, dedicated to the boarders and students of this esteemed institution. Sometimes, a simple interaction can lead to meaningful change. I am happy that a visit in 2022 has culminated in a new beginning for these young students,” he said.
The newly constructed boarding facility now offers a safe, hygienic, and modern living space.
The Chief Minister noted that it was especially heartening to meet many of the same students he had interacted with earlier and to witness their joy and excitement as they moved into the new building.
“It was truly touching to see the smiles on the faces of the students today. These are the same children who had shared their concerns with me earlier. Today, they have a space that reflects dignity, comfort, and care,” he added.
Emphasizing the broader vision of the government, the Chief Minister reiterated that education remains a top priority and that improving infrastructure is a key step toward ensuring better outcomes for students.
He also highlighted that meaningful change does not happen overnight but requires sustained effort, commitment, and responsiveness to the needs of the people.
“Change takes time, but what is important is that we act when we see a need. Every small step matters. If we listen, respond, and work consistently, we can bring about real transformation,” he said.
He also launched the “She Thrives” initiative, a sanitary pad vending machine equipped with sanitary pads, aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and dignity among girl students.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to address practical, day-to-day challenges faced by young girls in schools. He informed that the program will be gradually rolled out across the state to ensure that every girl has access to basic hygiene facilities.
Highlighting the importance of mindset and awareness, the Chief Minister stated that initiatives like “She Thrives” go beyond infrastructure.
“It is not just about providing sanitary pads or facilities, it is about changing mindsets. It is about ensuring that young girls feel confident, supported, and are not held back by challenges that can and should be addressed,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for collective responsibility among students, teachers, and society to respect dignity and create a safe and enabling environment for every child.
During an interactive session with the students, the Chief Minister responded to queries regarding job opportunities and the future of the younger generation.
He explained that while the number of government jobs is limited, the government is actively working on policies and programs to create opportunities through entrepreneurship and private sector growth.
“We must understand the reality, every year thousands of young people enter the workforce, but only a small number of government jobs are available. Therefore, the future lies in entrepreneurship, innovation, and private enterprise,” he said.
He further elaborated that the government is investing in key sectors such as tourism, IT, agriculture, and food processing to generate employment and support aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Our focus is to create an ecosystem where young people can identify challenges, build solutions, and turn them into sustainable businesses. Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business, it is about creating opportunities, not only for yourself but for others as well,” he added.
Encouraging students to think beyond conventional career paths, he urged them to pursue their passions with consistency and confidence. “Look at the opportunities around you, understand the problems in your communities, and think of ways to solve them. That is where true growth lies,” he said.
