Editor,
The prevailing controversy surrounding CMJ University has been waiting to happen. The lackadaisical attitude, apathy and indifference of the state government towards regulating and monitoring the functioning of private universities in the state have all contributed to fraudulent practices and breach of norms and standards. It is not the least bit surprising that some of these private universities have been able to break each and every imaginable rule in the book. Currently, there are eight private universities listed by the UGC, which have set up shop in Meghalaya.
A quick look at the website of CMJ University says it all. The University’s website claims that it “is situated on a 40 acre Campus on a scenic hillock in Jorabat on the Guwahati-Shillong Highway with spectacular 360 degree views of the picturesque hills”. It further states that the University “has a built up area of more than 1, 50,000 sq ft with well furnished modern classrooms, fully quipped laboratories, well stocked library with broadband connectivity and well qualified faculty. It is a fully residential university boasting of superior accommodation for Boys & Girls”. The legitimacy of these statements is suspect. The way the University functions vis-a-vis the ‘Objectives, Values, Vision and Mission’ mentioned in its website is highly contradictory. With more than 200 courses being offered, and not a single mention of a faculty or the head of a department, I simply do not understand how in the world the university manages all the courses.
Someone from Manipur recently told me how the B.Ed Exams held under CMJ University stands invalid. In fact, one Manipuri, S. Mangi Singh, who acted as the Coordinator, duped many aspiring students from Churachandpur District of Manipur by opening a B.Ed Study Centre at one of the high schools, under CMJ University. He is alleged to have fled the district after amassing a large amount of money collected as admission and examination fees. Understandably, not a single class was held. It has also come to light that the said university has opened a Centre for award of M.Phil and Ph.D degrees at Imphal which is a gross violation of the UGC norm. The UGC notification does not contain any provision to have regional centres or off campus beyond the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Meghalaya. On enquiring further, I came to know few people who have registered themselves by paying Rs. 30,000 as the first instalment. They were assured of a Ph.D degree within a record period of one to two years! The fate of these registered scholars is uncertain now that the university deservedly lands itself in troubled waters. Will they be reimbursed their hard-earned money in the eventual closure of the university? If so, who will reimburse them? What about the fate of hundreds of students enrolled in the university in and around Shillong? Can the government wash its hands off the way it has done time and again? What about the various other private universities minting money from unsuspecting and gullible citizens under the pretext of providing ‘unique and quality education’?
The government has to be held accountable because of the simple fact that it has given the go ahead to these institutions without establishing their veracity and credentials, which simply means that it reposes faith on such institutions. A university like the CMJ University is a blot to the existence and functioning of some other universities, which are genuinely contributing towards imparting quality education in the state. It would be wrong to suggest the closure of all private universities as it is natural to find the occasional rotten apple in every organization or group. The government needs to wake up from its slumber and initiate a tight rein to check and regulate the functioning of educational institutions, private and public. Moreover, the civil societies need to take up the issue on a higher level; we cannot leave the fate of our students in the colluding hands of self-serving politicians, bureaucrats and purely business-oriented entities whose only concern is to manipulate the unsuspecting public at every twist and turn.
Yours etc.,
Mangcha Touthang
Shillong – 14
Tree endangers passers-by
Editor,
I would like to bring to the notice of the Forest Department, Govt. Of Meghalaya / Army authorities of Cantonment Area, Shillong regarding the precarious condition of a big tree on the National highway near Anjalee Petrol pump and exactly at the junction going towards Butcher’s Road. The tree is ready to come crashing down at any moment.
Several incidents of injury and death have been recorded from time to time due to toppling of trees. But it seems that no lessons have been learnt and more such incidents could occur due to criminal neglect of the authorities concerned. As inclement weather is upon us I request that the authorities to act responsibly and take urgent action at the earliest.
Yours etc.,
Samuel Swett,
Shillong-2