Major Scholarship Initiative Launched in Meghalaya
In a significant boost to education accessibility, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced the release of the second and final installment of the Umbrella Post Matric Scholarship, totaling ₹130 crore, for nearly 70,000 students across the state. The announcement came during a formal ceremony held at the district auditorium on Friday for the 2024-25 academic year.
Government Prioritizes Student Welfare
Chief Minister Sangma revealed that the state government is utilizing its own resources to release the complete scholarship amount, as central government funds have not yet been received. This proactive approach aims to prevent financial difficulties for students who depend on this support for their education expenses.
The event witnessed participation from key education officials including Education Minister Lakhmen Rymbui, Commissioner and Secretary of Education Vijay Kumar Mantri, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, and Director of Higher and Technical Education Hazel D. B. Sangma.
Streamlined Disbursement Process
Sangma explained that while previous regulations prevented advance scholarship transfers, the state has now established a collaborative mechanism with the central government to facilitate earlier disbursement. Once the ₹130 crore is transferred to the Meghalaya Rural Bank, the institution will require several days for processing and account verification before students receive their funds.
The Chief Minister urged all beneficiaries to ensure their bank accounts are properly linked to Aadhaar to avoid any delays in receiving the scholarship amounts. This verification step is crucial for the smooth transfer of funds to eligible students.
Educational Reforms and Future Vision
During his address, Sangma reaffirmed that education remains a top priority for his administration. He announced that reforms addressing long-standing concerns of ad hoc and SSA teachers are nearing completion and are likely to be implemented in the next financial year.
The program also featured virtual participation from thousands of students connecting from 200 locations across Meghalaya, with approximately 7,000 students joining online. This widespread participation underscored the significance of the scholarship program for students throughout the state.
Education Minister Lakhmen Rymbui described the occasion as a red-letter day for the student community, marking the fulfillment of government commitments to strengthen and expand educational access. The event was attended by heads of educational institutions, teachers, students, and education department officials.
Comprehensive Youth Development Strategy
Chief Minister Sangma utilized the platform to outline the government's long-term vision for youth empowerment, highlighting several initiatives including CM Elevate, YESS Meghalaya, PRIME, MGMP, STAR, and Hello Meghalaya. He emphasized that entrepreneurship and skill development for young people are critical components of the state's growth strategy.
The government has planned economic development initiatives extending until 2047, with policies specifically designed to position youth as key drivers of progress. You will be in the driver's seat to take us into that phase of 2047 where Meghalaya should become one of the best states in the country, Sangma told the assembled students.
