By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The non-availability of sanctioned posts in government-run colleges for newer subjects, though introduced, has paved the way for private institutions to fill in the gap to keep pace with the ever growing demand for higher education during the past two decades in the north eastern region.
“As far as new subjects are concerned, none have been introduced in colleges and universities run by the government in North East”, Dean of School of Media & Cultural Studies, University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM) Dr Dinesh Baishya said.
The University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM) was established under the provisions of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya Act and notified by the Government of Meghalaya in 2008. The UGC recognized University is sponsored by Education Research and Development Foundation (ERDF), Guwahati with its permanent campus at Umduba, Kiling Road at 9th Mile in Ri Bhoi district.
Addressing a gathering at an interactive session conducted by USTM at Shillong Club here on Wednesday, Dr Baishya said that the non-availability of newer subjects being introduced by the government is a setback to the education sector in the North East.
Meanwhile, USTM Vice Chancellor Prof PK Abdul Aziz said that North East region has not been able to keep pace with the development that the country has witnessed in other cities and the same is witnessed in the education sector.
Reiterating on the absence of sanctioned posts for newer subjects in government colleges and universities, the VC said the educational scenario in the government-run institutions is static with no innovative programmes being introduced due to some vested interest. “And that is when the private institutions becomes the order of the day”, he said.