Meghalaya: South West Khasi Hills Gets Its First College.

Shillong; June 2026: South West Khasi Hills Shilliangum Zone got their first higher education institute yesterday (Sunday – 31st May) with the inauguration of Rilang College, Mawsaw, by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar.

Built on five acres of land donated by the Iawphniaw clan, Rilang College aims to address the long-standing gap in access to degree education in this rural belt. Previously, students were required to travel considerable distances to pursue higher education, often leading to increased dropout rates. The establishment of this institution would be a major boost in encouraging local students in continuing their education alongside curtailing travel costs and create a more convenient pathway to academic success.

The Rs 40 lakh campus was funded through the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund for 2018-2029, as well as several additional contributions, including MPLADS and SRWP. Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar inaugurated the Rilang College building on Friday and announced an additional grant of Rs. 05 lakhs for teacher’s salaries, saying education in the constituency has “moved forward” with new schools, a JNV campus, and a planned EMRS.

“Education has not stood still in our constituency or our district. It has moved forward”, Dhar said. “In eight years, we have received government sanction for dozens of school buildings and rebuilt many of them”. He highlighted the shift of JNV to the district headquarters. “For decades our children had to go to Nongstoin for JNV. Today, we have our own JNV at Mawlamwir, right here in Mawkyrwat”.

On Rilang College, he noted, “We laid the foundation in 2019 and moved step by step, year by year. Anything done well, even if it takes time, will be stronger and better”.

Dhar praised the region’s approach to development. “The people of Mawkyrwat have a spirit of building together for the common good. We do not bring politics into development work”.

“With this Rilang College inaugurated today, I believe applications will start coming in from tomorrow. It should be a big headline — the hard work of the local MLA (Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar) has opened a new college, setting an example for others to follow”, he said.

Team Maverick.