State has over 510 dilapidated LP, Secondary schools
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Sept 19: Over 510 lower primary and secondary schools across the State are in a dilapidated condition.
This was informed by Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma in his reply to a starred question tabled in the Assembly today.
Out of this, 495 are government lower primary schools and 15 are government secondary schools, Sangma said.
He said the 43 schools are covered for construction/renovation under phase 1, 20 – phase 2 and 332 – phase 3.
He said that the remaining 115 schools will be proposed for construction/renovation in the future phases.
AIM against gambling in melas
The Awakening Indian Movement (AIM) has sought the intervention of the deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills district to ensure a blanket ban on gambling at melas being organized by different agencies.
Speaking to media persons, chairman of AIM Bansharai Marbaniang said that many people from other part of the country come to Meghalaya to host various kinds of melas, however these melas have games that encourage gambling with money which is detrimental and have a negative impact on the welfare of the people.
Marbaniang alleged that melas throughout the country are being held in order to provide entertainment to all citizens where they can experience happiness especially for children, students, and youth but at present melas in Meghalaya are being held with gambling which have detrimental and a negative impact on the welfare of the people.
“During our visit to the mela held at the Parking Lot outside Polo Ground in Shillong, the mela hosted various gambling activities with money and young people and students in uniform participated in various gambling games” said Marbaniang.
Marbaniang said that AIM is not against organizing melas in the state, however it stands against the act of gambling that is being held at the venues hence the AIM sought the intervention into this matter.
NPP in talks with PDF MLAs over merger
National People’s Party (NPP) National President and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma have informed that discussions with the two legislators of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) for merging with the party are on.
“Discussions will take place but as I said there is no final conclusion or anything yet. Therefore, we will wait and see when the time comes,” Sangma told reporters today.
Currently, the PDF has two MLAs – Banteidor Lyngdoh and Gavin M Mylliem- in the assembly.
If the proposed merger takes place, the strength of the National People’s Party will increase to 28 in the current 59-member House.
Earlier, Lyngdoh, who is also PDF working president had said, “Talks are on to merge with the NPP. We will take a call at the right time.”
Talks are on to merge the People’s Democratic Front, an ally of the ruling coalition in Meghalaya, with the NPP ahead of the May 10 poll to Sohiong assembly seat where election was adjourned in February, a PDF leader said on Thursday.
When asked, Lyngdoh said he cannot say anything further as decisions will not be taken by him alone.