SHILLONG: Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma on Monday said lack of accommodation facilities for college students from rural areas is one of the challenges that continue to confront the state. He added that the government is committed to addressing this critical gap by opening hostels in partnership with dedicated groups.He was speaking after inaugurating the newly constructed Tribal Girls' Hostel at Hawakhana in Tura on Monday."The CM said it is a scary situation that the districts of Garo Hills have not been able to cross the pass percentage of 36 % in the board examinations. Attributing the alarming rate of failure to the weak chain in education at the elementary level, including lack of dedicated teachers and lack of hostels for students coming from rural background, he underscored the need to give special attention to vulnerable groups of students," said an official release.It added, "The hostel, which was completed with local community contribution, would accommodate 30 students out of which priority will be given to 25 underprivileged girls from the most backward and deprived areas with affordable fees. These girls would be trained and moulded to become agents of change in their respective villages."The chief minister called for opening more institutions not only for the less privileged sections but also for parents who can afford to pay higher fees.

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