Shillong: Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar flagged a growing disconnect in household spending on August 14. He spoke at the inauguration of a new building for St Jerome’s Higher Secondary School in Nongmensong. Dhar noted that parents struggle to cover rising education costs while some students carry high-end mobile phones worth over Rs 1 lakh. He encountered one student who asked for Rs 15,000 for college fees while holding a phone worth Rs 1.10 lakh. "This is something that worries me," Dhar said.
The government lists education as a top priority. Success demands teamwork between parents, teachers, and school officials. Dhar praised missionary schools for their long-term contributions to local communities. He also promised Rs 10 lakh for the second phase of the school construction. The current building cost Rs 15 lakh, funded by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma following a 2022 visit with MLA Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh. Contributions also came from MLA AL Hek, Lyngdoh, and the local parish.
Local leadership attended the event. Guests included Shillong Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh DD, MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh, MLA AL Hek, and MDC Deity H. Majaw. Nongmensong Parish Priest Pascal Lyngdoh, Principal Patrick Khongwir, and Rangbah Shnong Phrang Warjri also appeared. Separately, Dhar confirmed he is working with Hek and the Nongmensong Dorbar Shnong to finish a local piped water project.
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