Schools Demand Enrollment Relief as Political Tensions Rise in Meghalaya

Shillong: The Meghalaya Schools Welfare Development Association-Central Body wants Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to ease enrollment rules for the CM-IMPACT PLUS scheme. Strict student-strength requirements threaten to cut off funding for schools in remote, hilly regions. President HM Marbaniang proposed a lower threshold of 10 students per class or 20 for combined Classes IX and X. Schools in the Garo Hills find even these goals difficult due to poor connectivity and shifting populations. The association argued current student numbers shouldn't be the only measure for support. They proposed a two-to-three-year grace period for schools to improve performance. The president said, "Such a performance-linked approach would allow deserving institutions to continue serving students in underserved areas while ensuring accountability and effective utilisation of government funds."

Political friction is mounting elsewhere. Manuel Badwar of the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee slammed the state government over high unemployment and corruption. He claimed backdoor appointments and shady deals in the police, Health Department, and District Selection Committees have wrecked public trust. Badwar warned that these issues spark deep resentment among the youth. He remains confident in the party’s long-term future.

Meanwhile, community events continued across Shillong. The SIAMSINPAWLPI held its 63rd annual conference and freshers' meet on Saturday. The event featured cultural shows and awards, with Additional Commissioner of Custom and Indirect Taxes, Pu Pauzakham Ngaihte, attending as chief guest. In other news, the 11th National Official Language Conference wrapped up at NEIGRIHMS on October 10. The three-day event focused on boosting Hindi in official Northeast communications. Finally, the St Anthony’s School Past Pupils’ Association completed their Ride to Unite 3.0 outreach program. Alumni visited the Niriang RCLPS Samagra Siksha Abhiyan School near Ummulong, where they donated stationery, cash, and painted a mural.