Education minister asks LO to renovate dilapidated schools from MLA scheme

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 21, 2025

Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma has asked Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma to utilize his MLA scheme funds to renovate dilapidated schools instead of engaging in blame games. 

Rakkam emphasized that every MLA has the capacity to make a difference by allocating funds for school renovation and construction.

The education minister cited his own efforts, stating that he has renovated 45 ad-hoc and SSA schools in his constituency using his MLA scheme funds, with each school receiving Rs 2 lakh for renovation.

The minister requested that all MLAs, including the Leader of Opposition, utilize their SRWP funds to renovate or construct schools. 

“If every MLA decide to renovate or construct at least 50 number of schools every year (it would be of great help towards improving the education infrastructure in the state). I would request beginning from leader of opposition to kindly utilize his SRWP funds to the maximum instead of blaming somebody and that he should practice what he preached,” Rakkam told reporters.

The minister highlighted the challenges faced by the state, stating that nearly 50% of the 14,000 school buildings are damaged. 

“My father was a school teacher. No government lower primary school was build during his time. It looks like as if nobody cares. 

But during last four-five years under the dynamic leadership of chief minister Conrad K Sangma, the government has decided that all government lower primary schools will be renovated and will be given a new building. It has happened also and it is in the process,” he said while adding “It is not easy as there are about 14000 school buildings and of this only 3000-4000 was achieved today and another 60-70% is pending inclusive of all.”

He also alleged saying, “Therefore, leader of opposition might be disturbed seeing all these things are happening today because during his time he had not been able to do much. It is testimony of what he had done in last 8 years when he was a chief minister.”

The minister appealed to all MLAs and MPs to prioritize constructive work over criticism, suggesting that they allocate funds to build and renovate schools for the betterment of students’ futures.