Sangma lays foundation of first State technical varsity

From A Correspondent

Tura, Dec 1: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and Minister for Taxation & Excise Zenith Sangma on Friday laid the foundation of the first State-sponsored university - Captain Williamson Sangma State Technical University - at Tura and College of Architecture & Urban Planning at Jewilgre in South West Garo Hills district. "The university will cater to the students of the State as well as from outside. Its campuses and study centre will be established in different parts of the country," said the Chief Minister.

 In 2011, a Bill to set up the university was passed in the Meghalaya Assembly.

"The delay in establishment of the university was primarily because of various political upheavals in the State. In our State, it is difficult to keep our MLAs together as almost on a daily basis our legislators attempt to shift their loyalties," Mukul said in a lighter vein.

He said Rs 18 crore has been sanctioned for construction of the university building at Jewilgre, about 20 km from Tura in an area that spans over 100 acres. "The construction of the university has already begun and efforts are being made to ensure that it is completed soon," he added.

The Chief Minister said that after five years Meghalaya would celebrate 50th glorious years of statehood and there are lots of expectations. He said the State has made its humble beginning and there will be a lot of welfare programmes for the people. 

"We have to ensure that the State is capable of nurturing young minds and paving the way to eble them to realize their dreams," he added.

He lamented that Meghalaya is yet to have its own medical college and many aspiring young people have to leave their dreams of becoming a doctor for want of admission, which was precisely the reason that the government has focused on medical colleges.

Sangma said establishment of the university as well as medical and engineering colleges in Meghalaya will not only educate the youth, but also inspire them to dream higher. "It will build an ecosystem, where our youth will draw inspiration from their respective backyard," he explained.

Mukul said the College of Architecture & Urban Planning will be the first-of-its-kind university in the whole of Northeast. "Urban planning is a lucrative profession and a need of the hour. Look at cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Guwahati, where an hour of rain is enough to cause mayhem as it leads to artificial flooding," he pointed out.

"We invite all our educated people working outside the region to come back with their enriching experiences and join our universities and institutes and contribute towards the welfare of the State," Mukul appealed.

The Chief Minister said the government has embarked on an agenda where the State will be self-reliant and not dependent on other States. "Leaders must be able to connect with the aspirations and expectations of the people," he added.