Correspondent

Nongpoh, Sept 14: Shillong MP, Vincent H. Pala he laid the foundation stone for the new school building of Ri Bhoi Presbyterian Higher Secondary School in Nongpoh today.

The ceremony witnessed a large gathering of enthusiastic students, dedicated educators, and esteemed members of the school’s administration.

Joining Pala in this august occasion were other notable figures, including Mayral Born Syiem, the local MLA of Nongpoh Constituency, P. Nonglait, the District School Education Officer of Ri Bhoi, Rev. DS Roy Muktieh, the Executive Secretary of RBP Synod, and W. Radu, the Principal, among others.

The Ri Bhoi Presbyterian Higher Secondary School has long been recognized for its commitment to education, offering the arts stream at the higher secondary level. In a move aimed at further enhancing educational opportunities for the region’s youth, the school has decided to introduce two new streams: Commerce and Science.

The school authorities have estimated that the construction of the new school building, which will accommodate the Commerce and Science streams, will require an investment of approximately Rs. 4,64,71,000.

This development not only reflects the school’s dedication to nurturing academic excellence but also demonstrates the collective commitment of leaders and educators to uplift the standards of education in the Ri Bhoi District. It is a step forward in providing students with a broader range of educational choices, empowering them to excel in their chosen fields and contribute to the progress of the region.

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.