Empty classrooms, empty promises: Storm damaged school in South Garo Hills still in ruins, GSU seeks accountability

Highlighting the dire state of educational infrastructure in remote villages of South Garo Hills, the Garo Students' Union (GSU), Mindikgre Regional Unit, has made a formal appeal to the Government of Meghalaya, urging the immediate construction of school buildings in the Mindikgre area. The plea, signed by Greneth M. Sangma, President of the GSU’s regional unit, was addressed to the Director of School Education & Literacy in Shillong and the Sub-Divisional School Education Officer in Baghmara.

The student union have raised alarming conditions of seven government schools, including several primary, upper primary, and one secondary school — many of which are functioning without proper infrastructure or basic furniture for years. The schools listed include:

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)

Mindikgre Adhoc Secondary School (Est. 1986)

According to the GSU, several of these institutions — including two designated polling stations — are in a state of near-collapse. Rompa A.sim Govt. L.P. School, for instance, has remained in ruins since being devastated by a storm in 2012, despite repeated reports and requests submitted by the school’s headmaster. Similarly, the Balkal A.sim U.P. School — frequently used as a central venue for government events — has been left unattended despite its importance.

The condition of Mindikgre Adhoc Secondary School has drawn particular concern from the GSU, which describes the building as “life-threatening” for students and staff. The union has requested its immediate upgrade to a government deficit secondary school — noting that it is the only secondary institution serving the entire region.

The GSU further alleged that despite annual proposals submitted by school authorities for the construction and repair of buildings, district and government officials have remained largely unresponsive. This inaction, the union argues, has not only jeopardized the safety of children and teachers but has also stifled the overall learning process in rural communities.

Calling for an independent inquiry and detailed report, the GSU has urged authorities to take swift and concrete action to remedy the situation. “This is not merely an infrastructure issue — it is a crisis affecting the educational future and safety of rural students,” said Greneth M. Sangma.