Ampati, April 17, 2026:
A felicitation programme was held at Babelapara Higher Secondary School under the Purakhasia C&RD Block in South West Garo Hills on April 17, 2026, in honour of the Chief Minister of Meghalaya.

The school, a private institution catering to around 600 students and offering Arts and Commerce streams, organised the programme in collaboration with its School Management Committee (SMC) and the All Meghalaya Upper Primary & Secondary Deficit Pattern School Teachers’ Association.

The Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, attended the event as Chief Guest, accompanied by Ian Botham K. Sangma, MLA of 55-Salmanpara Constituency, and Rakesh A. Sangma, MDC of 7-Babelapara GHADC, as Guests of Honour.

During the program, school authorities highlighted key challenges faced by the institution, including inadequate infrastructure and financial constraints, and appealed for government support to improve facilities and learning conditions.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector, describing it as a top priority. He stated that sustained efforts are underway to upgrade infrastructure, ensure adequate teacher availability, and improve the overall quality of education.

He further emphasised that special focus is being placed on rural and remote areas to bridge gaps and ensure equitable access to educational opportunities.

Elaborating on the vision of the National People’s Party (NPP), he noted that transforming the education sector remains central to its ideology, as it is key to empowering youth and driving long-term socio-economic development in Meghalaya.

Highlighting the government’s policy direction, the Chief Minister underscored the need for a robust and forward-looking approach to address existing gaps in the system. He informed that an estimated ₹2,000 crore was initially required for the upgradation of Lower Primary (LP) schools across the state, adding that the initiative began with 100 schools and is being expanded in a phased manner.

In a significant announcement, he sanctioned ₹20 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Development Fund for Babelapara Higher Secondary School to support its infrastructural and developmental needs.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Ian Botham K. Sangma stated that the Chief Minister has consistently emphasised the urgent need to improve the education scenario in the state.

He noted that under the proactive leadership of the Chief Minister, the government is actively implementing policies and programs aimed at strengthening the sector, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

He further highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade infrastructure, enhance teaching quality, and expand access to education, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive growth.

The program was attended by several officials, including Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills, Anendya Rajashre, Superintendent of Police Vikash Varma, District School Education Officer A. Karim, Sub-Divisional School Education Officer Emphul Ch. Marak, Block Development Officer of Purakhasia C&RD Block, Dr. A.C. Marak, and Rev. Fr. K. L. James, Parish Priest of Purakhasia Parish.