Rongjeng (Meghalaya), Aug 19: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday inaugurated the Rongjeng Model Degree College at Rongjeng in East Garo Hills in presence of Education Minister Rakkam Sangma, MLA Jim Sangma and host of other dignitaries.
The new model degree college has been constructed from grants under RUSA 2.0 at a cost of Rs. 12 Crore. The college was sanctioned grant under the funding priority of the scheme for under-served District in the North Eastern Region States as identified by NITI Aayog.
According to the 2011-2018 census East Garo Hills District had a population of 52,584 and a literacy rate of 54%. Being an unserved and underserved district of the state, the district falls under educationally Backward District (EBD).
It was also highlighted that the students have to travel to the district headquarter Williamnagar or even travel across district for undergoing higher education. Hence the New Model Degree College in Rongjeng was proposed with a motive to ease out migration of students in pursue for higher education.
Inaugurating the college building, the Chief Minister said that the establishment of the college at Rongjeng is fructification of a promise made by (L) Purno Agitok Sangma to the people of the area. “It was a long cherished dream of our leader (L) Purno Agitok Sangma, who had promise to set up a college here in Rongjeng. Today, he is not amidst us but the promise made by him to the people has been fructified”, he added.
Thanking the education minister, Rongjeng MLA and the Education Department, the Chief Minister said, “The building has been successfully completed, now it should be the collective responsibility of each one of us to ensure that this building is converted into temple of education”.
Reiterating that education has been the top most priority of the government, the Chief Minister said, “This model college, is a small example of the many things that the government is doing to overhaul education in the state. As a government, we will ensure that the best opportunity is given to our student”.
Announcing that the college will be named after Late Purno Agitok Sangma, the Chief Minister said, “He (P.A. Sangma) had close affinity and love for the people of Rongjeng. It will be befitting to name the college after him”.
The academic session of the degree college will begin this year with Arts Stream.
He further informed that necessary sanction for approach road, water connection, and other component, which were not part of the building has been sanctioned and will be completed soon.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Education Minister Rakkam Sangma and MLA Jim Sangma.
