Guwahati, June 27 -- Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma drew public criticism after describing the deteriorated condition of many government schools in the state as "normal," blaming over a decade of past neglect for the current state of affairs.

Speaking to reporters, Sangma acknowledged that numerous government schools across Meghalaya still lack basic infrastructure, including proper classrooms and roofs. "It's normal. this is nothing new. Many schools were ignored for 10 to 15 years," he said.

Sangma defended the present government, led by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, claiming it was the first to actively address these problems. He pointed to initiatives launched under the National People's Party (NPP) to renovate and re...