Meghalaya launches first state-owned university amid push for educational reform

CORRESPONDENT

Shillong: Meghalaya marked a historic milestone with the launch of its first state-owned university, the Captain Williamson Sangma State University. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma inaugurated the institution in the presence of Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Snaiwbhalang Dhar, Education Minister Rakkam Sangma, Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal, and other dignitaries.

The university, named after Captain Williamson A. Sangma, Meghalaya's founding Chief Minister, represents a significant step toward improving higher education in the state. The infrastructure was inaugurated in January 2023, following the approval for construction in June 2018 at a cost of Rs 16.96 crore. Initially conceptualized in 2011 as a technical university, it was later renamed in 2022 to include both technical and non-technical colleges under its affiliation.

Calling it a "red letter day," Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that the university's establishment fulfils a longstanding need. "The university will not only cater to higher education but also promote research and innovation, ensuring transformative change in the educational scenario of the state," he stated.

He emphasized the importance of the state having its own university after more than 50 years of Meghalaya's existence. "This university is not just a name; it is a promise-a promise of hope, growth, and limitless possibilities for the people of Meghalaya," the Chief Minister added, expressing confidence that the institution would serve as a beacon of knowledge and pride for the state.

To expand its reach, a Shillong campus of the university will be established to provide administrative support and facilitate accessibility for students from the Khasi and Jaintia Hills regions. The Chief Minister also highlighted the advantages of affiliating colleges with the state university. He noted that students in affiliated colleges will no longer need to appear for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, unlike colleges under the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU).

"I urge the colleges to take this opportunity and affiliate with Captain Williamson Sangma State University," he said, assuring state support for affiliated institutions.

The launch event also included the formal submission of affiliation applications by various colleges, including Williamnagar College, Captain Williamson Sangma College, Rongjeng Model College, Ampati Degree College, PA Sangma Abong Noga College, Mason Philips Academy, Mirriam Rural Women's College, and Tura Christian College.

Acknowledging challenges in Meghalaya's education sector, the Chief Minister spoke about enrolment issues, school performance, and the burden of salaries for government-supported schools. He assured that the government is committed to rationalizing measures to ensure quality education, accountability, and administrative efficiency.

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