Shillong, June 25, 2025 – The Garo Students’ Union (GSU), Mindikgre Regional Unit, has issued a fervent appeal to the Meghalaya government, painting a grim picture of the dilapidated educational infrastructure in the remote villages of South Garo Hills. The union is demanding immediate construction of school buildings in the Mindikgre area, citing the alarming and “life-threatening” conditions of several institutions.
In a formal plea addressed to the Director of School Education & Literacy in Shillong and the Sub-Divisional School Education Officer in Baghmara, Greneth M. Sangma, President of the GSU’s regional unit, highlighted the dire state of seven government schools. Many of these, including primary, upper primary, and one secondary school, have been functioning for years without proper infrastructure or even basic furniture.
Among the schools listed are Rompa A.sim Govt. L.P. School (Est. 1952), Bagangre (Samkagre) Govt. L.P. School (Est. 1975), Mmaingre Govt. L.P. School (Est. 1985), Gara Songgital Govt. L.P. School (Est. 1935), Dokgre Govt. L.P. School (Est. 1964), Balkal A.sim Govt. Deficit U.P. School (Est. 1961), and Mindikgre Adhoc Secondary School (Est. 1986). The GSU’s appeal underscores that several of these institutions, including two designated polling stations, are teetering on the brink of collapse.
A particularly distressing case is that of Rompa A.sim Govt. L.P. School, which has remained in ruins since a devastating storm hit in 2012. Despite repeated reports and requests from the headmaster, the school continues to be a ghost of its former self. Similarly, Balkal A.sim U.P. School, a frequently used venue for government events, has been left unattended despite its considerable importance to the community.
The GSU has voiced acute concern over the Mindikgre Adhoc Secondary School, describing its building as posing an immediate danger to both students and staff. The union is not only advocating for its immediate construction but also for its upgrade to a government deficit secondary school, given its crucial role as the sole secondary institution serving the entire region.
The student body has also leveled serious allegations against district and government officials, claiming a consistent lack of response despite annual proposals submitted by school authorities for building construction and repair. The GSU argues that this prolonged inaction has not only jeopardized the safety of children and teachers but has also severely hampered the overall learning process in these rural communities.
Calling for an independent inquiry and a detailed report into the matter, the GSU has urged authorities to take swift and decisive action to rectify the situation. “This is not merely an infrastructure issue — it is a crisis affecting the educational future and safety of rural students,” asserted Greneth M. Sangma, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
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