CM: Meghalaya to release student scholarships before Christmas

Shillong: Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma on Friday announced that students in the state will receive their pending scholarships before Christmas this year.Addressing the long-standing issue of delayed scholarship disbursals after launching the first academic batch of Shillong Engineering College, Sangma — who also holds the finance portfolio — said the state govt will now release funds in advance, without waiting for the Centre’s sanction.He said the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Scheme will be disbursed by Dec, while the centrally sponsored scholarship will be released even before the Centre transfers the funds.“We recognise that delays in disbursing scholarships have significantly impacted our students. We are pleased to announce that the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Scheme will be released by Dec, and the centrally sponsored scholarship will be disbursed in advance — even before the Centre’s sanction is received,” Sangma assured.Reaffirming the govt’s commitment to investing in human capital, the chief minister added, “Yes, we need roads and buildings, but ultimately, it is the quality of our people that determines the strength of our state.”