Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday said that education must be seen as an investment for eternity, as he joined the Silver Jubilee celebration of St. Anthony’s Higher Secondary School, Pynursla, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong.
Quoting an ancient Chinese proverb, Sangma said, “If you want returns in one year, plant flowers. If you want returns in ten years, plant trees. But if you want returns for eternity, plant people.” He said the proverb perfectly captures the government’s approach to education as the foundation of long-term growth and social transformation.
Highlighting the government’s commitment, Sangma informed that 15% of the State’s annual budget—amounting to ₹3,654 crore—has been allocated to the education sector, the highest among all departments. He said Meghalaya has over 14,000 schools supported by 55,000 teachers, and nearly ₹1,000 crore is spent annually on grants to private, ad hoc, and deficit schools.
“We are proud of this investment,” he said. “Because of it, our education system has grown and evolved, even though we still face challenges such as high dropout rates and low pass percentages.”
The Chief Minister announced that the government will provide financial support ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore to selected non-government schools across the state to upgrade their higher secondary sections. “This scheme is designed to help non-government institutions upgrade their infrastructure and introduce new academic streams,” he added, assuring that St. Anthony’s HSS, Pynursla, will be among the first beneficiaries.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who also attended the programme, commended the institution for completing 25 years of service, describing the milestone as “a moment of pride and gratitude for the entire community.”
The event featured hymns, cultural performances, and a felicitation ceremony honouring the jubileans for their service to the school. Minister of Arts and Culture Sanbor Shullai and MDC Grace Mary Kharpuri were also present.
