Shillong : In a major boost for students, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday released the second and final instalment of the Umbrella Post Matric Scholarship, amounting to ₹130 crore, for the 2024–25 academic year. Nearly 70,000 students will benefit from this release, which has been fully funded by the state government as central funds are yet to arrive.
The disbursement event took place at the District Auditorium in Tura and was attended by 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.
State Steps In to Prevent Delays
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the government decided to release the full scholarship amount from its own resources to ensure that students are not inconvenienced while waiting for central assistance.
He also clarified that earlier regulations did not allow advance scholarship transfers. However, the state has now worked out a mechanism with the Centre to enable early release of funds in the future.
Once the ₹130 crore amount is transferred to the Meghalaya Rural Bank, students will receive the funds after a short processing period for account verification. Sangma urged all beneficiaries to ensure their bank accounts are Aadhaar-linked to avoid delays.
Education Remains Core Priority
Reinforcing his government’s commitment to the education sector, Sangma announced that reforms concerning ad hoc and SSA teachers—pending for many years—are in the final stages and could be implemented from the next financial year.
The programme saw large-scale participation, with over 7,000 students joining online and thousands more connecting from 200 locations across the state.
The Chief Minister also highlighted several flagship youth-focused initiatives such as CM Elevate, YESS Meghalaya, PRIME, MGMP, STAR, and Hello Meghalaya, underscoring the government's long-term vision for empowering young people.
Focus on Youth Empowerment and Vision 2047
Sangma emphasized that entrepreneurship and skills development are central to Meghalaya’s future growth. He said the government has charted economic development goals up to 2047, aiming to position youth as the key drivers of progress.
“You will be in the driver’s seat as we move towards 2047, where Meghalaya should emerge as one of the best states in the country,” he told students.
A Landmark Day for Students
Calling it a “red-letter day” for the student community, Education Minister Lakhmen Rymbui said the disbursal marks a significant step toward improving access to education and fulfilling the government's promises.
The event was attended by teachers, heads of institutions, students, and senior education officials, reflecting the importance of the announcement.
Click Here for More Latest News