Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma announced on Friday that the state government will establish two new degree colleges within this academic year.

Speaking to reporters, Sangma stated that the proposal to set up the colleges has been approved by the concerned ministry. “The two degree colleges will be established in East Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills,” he confirmed.

To support the new institutions, the education department has already advertised for the recruitment of over 100 faculty members.

Sangma also revealed that other ongoing educational initiatives are set to take shape this year. “Patharkhmah Degree College and Rongjeng Degree College will begin operations within this academic year, along with the Mawphlang Commerce and Science College,” he added.

Acknowledging the challenges in the education sector, Sangma said that Meghalaya has faced significant obstacles over the past 40-50 years. “While we have the highest number of schools and teachers compared to other states, we lack adequate infrastructure and institutions. Under the dynamic leadership of the Chief Minister, the MDA government has brought about significant transformations over the last five years. New buildings have been constructed for colleges, secondary and primary schools, as well as professional institutions like polytechnics and ITIs,” he noted.

Additionally, the education department is preparing to release advertisements for the recruitment of government lower primary school teachers, expected to be published within a day or two.