SHILLONG: A delegation of youth from the Mawphlang region on Thursday met Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, urging the government to upgrade the nearly century-old Mawphlang Government Upper Primary School to a Secondary School.
Established in 1928, the institution has served generations for 98 years but continues to function only up to Grade 8. The youth delegation highlighted that the absence of a government secondary school in the area has led to a growing dropout crisis, particularly among students from economically weaker backgrounds.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, youth representative Donald Albert Kurbah said many students are forced to discontinue their education due to the high cost of private schooling or the burden of travelling long distances to access secondary education.
However, the delegation expressed disappointment over the outcome of the meeting, stating that the Chief Minister did not provide any concrete assurance or timeline for the proposed upgradation. They also recalled a previous interaction with a former Education Minister who, according to them, had cited lack of authority to address the issue.
In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister, the delegation outlined several key concerns. With the school set to complete 100 years in 2028, the youth described it as a matter of concern that a government institution of such legacy has not yet been upgraded. They pointed out that the school has adequate land—measuring approximately 1.14 acres—suitable for expansion and development of secondary-level infrastructure.
The memorandum also flagged safety issues, noting the absence of a boundary wall, which leaves the campus vulnerable to stray animals and unauthorized entry, posing risks to students.
Support for the demand has come from traditional authorities, including Lyngdohs, Myntris, and Rangbah Shnongs of Mawphlang, Mawngap, and Lyngkien, who view the upgradation as critical to strengthening the region’s education system.
Additionally, the youth criticized the government’s transfer policy, alleging that teachers have been relocated without replacement in recent years, severely impacting the quality of education at the school.
The delegation warned that unless urgent steps are taken, the educational future of students in Mawphlang will remain uncertain, with dropout rates likely to rise further.
