Rymbai, Dec 8: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday said the state is witnessing a clear shift in public expectations—from demands for basic amenities like roads and water supply to calls for better educational institutions and quality-of-life infrastructure—reflecting the remarkable progress and rising aspirations of its citizens.
Sangma made the remarks while laying the foundation for the upgradation of Rymbai Government Higher Secondary School.
Calling the change in public expectations a defining marker of Meghalaya’s development trajectory, the Chief Minister said communities across the state are now seeking better learning environments, advanced facilities, and long-term growth opportunities—signalling growing confidence and momentum.
“When basic needs are met, people aspire for more. This is exactly what we are witnessing across the state,” he said, committing to sustain this upward shift.
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui and Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla were also present at the ceremony.
Sangma recalled his first visit to Rymbai in 2020, when the village struggled with poor roads, a stalled water supply scheme, and inadequate school infrastructure. He expressed satisfaction at the improvements since, noting that “though the journey ahead is long, the transformation has begun.”
The Chief Minister also praised the unity and collective effort of the village—traditional heads, church leaders, youth organisations and community groups—calling it the driving force behind Rymbai’s steady progress. A special song presented by a local youth, conveying gratitude and humility, was acknowledged by the CM.
The school and community submitted memorandums seeking infrastructure upgrades, expansion of the higher secondary section, and introduction of Science and Commerce streams. Sangma assured that all proposals will be actively examined, adding that discussions on additional classrooms are already underway.
Urging students to seize the emerging opportunities, he reminded them that access to such facilities remains limited in many parts of the state. “Study with discipline, remain humble, and aim high,” he said.
Senior officials, including the Director of School Education & Literacy, the Deputy Commissioner, the SP, and representatives of traditional institutions and village bodies, attended the programme.
