TURA, Meghalaya – Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday released the second and final installment of the Umbrella Post Matric Scholarship, totaling Rs 130 crore . This funding will benefit nearly 70,000 students for the 2024-25 academic year. The announcement came during a program held at the district auditorium here.
The state government released the full scholarship amount using its own resources. Funds from the Centre had not yet been received. The decision to advance the payment aims to alleviate financial difficulties for students. Chief Minister Sangma stated earlier rules prohibited advance transfers. However, the state has now established a mechanism with the Centre for early fund release.
Scholarship Disbursement Process
The Rs 130 crore will be transferred to the Meghalaya Rural Bank. Following this, a few days will be required for processing and account verification. Students will then receive their funds directly. Sangma urged students to ensure their bank accounts are Aadhaar-linked to facilitate timely transfers.
Key officials present at the event included Education Minister Lakhmen Rymbui, Commissioner and Secretary (Education) Vijay Kumar Mantri, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, and Director of Higher and Technical Education Hazel D B Sangma.
Government Focus on Education and Youth
Chief Minister Sangma affirmed education remains a priority for the government. He announced that reforms addressing long-standing issues faced by ad hoc and SSA teachers are nearing finalization. These reforms could be implemented from the next financial year.
Thousands of students joined the program virtually from 200 locations across the state. Sangma outlined the government’s long-term vision, emphasizing youth-focused initiatives. These programs include:
- CM Elevate
- YESS Meghalaya
- PRIME
- MGMP
- STAR
- Hello Meghalaya
Sangma stressed the importance of entrepreneurship and skill development for the state’s growth. He highlighted that these efforts are critical for Meghalaya’s progress.
Vision for Meghalaya 2047
The government has planned economic growth extending until 2047. Policies and programs are designed to position youth as central drivers of this development. Sangma stated, "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."
Education Minister Lakhmen Rymbui also addressed the gathering. He described the day as significant for the student community. Rymbui noted it marked the fulfillment of government commitments to strengthen and expand access to education. The program saw attendance from heads of institutions, teachers, students, and education department officials. Approximately 7,000 students participated online.