Editor,
It is interesting to note that in the present spat between the Delhi University and the UGC over the Four Year Graduation Course, the UGC does not have the authority to de-recognize the FYGC degree. The UGC can only threaten to withdraw the funding, or grants, that they have been giving if the University, or any of the Colleges under it, continues with the four year degree course.
This clearly demonstrates that the power given to Universities, under their specific acts, cannot be struck down by the UGC. The UGC Act, 1956, does not empower the UGC to recognise or de-recognize degrees granted by Universities. In the event that a University fails to adhere to UGC directives, the only power that the UGC has, as derived from its own Act, is to withdraw granting of funds to that University or College.
In fact, the UGC has no control over private universities, established by an Act passed by State Legislatures. That is why it makes sense that each State Legislature should also pass an Act establishing a special authority such as the Meghalaya Private Universities Regulation Act, 2012, to regulate the quality and functioning of the private universities created by them.
This also makes sense in view of the fact that under our federal system of governance, Education is not a central subject but is on the concurrent list. Let the UGC regulate the Central Universities, and the Colleges affiliated to them, that it funds and let the States regulate the private universities that they create.
Having seen only central universities funded by the UGC for so many decades, it is difficult perhaps for most of us to comprehend that the UGC is not mandated to recognize, or not recognize, degrees certified by different Universities. I am happy that our State Government has stepped in to fill this gap in regulating the quality and functioning of private universities here in Meghalaya.
Yours etc.,
RG Lyngdoh,
Shillong – 3
Parasitical appointments
Editor,
The Shillong Times headlines “Mukul-led Govt appoints 76 politicos in corporations, PSUs”, is conclusive proof of politicians siphoning off the major chunk of state funds into their own pockets. This is the reason why we are always short of funds and why development has come to a standstill in Meghalaya. All funds earmarked for development are sucked out of the system through large scale corruption and Government’s misplaced largesse towards politicians and senior bureaucrats. A few scraps are left for infrastructure development viz, filling up potholes and digging ditches – two perennial activities that are the lifeline for Meghalaya’s contractors.
Even a cursory examination of past contributions by political appointees will show they are nothing more than parasites, sucking the lifeblood out of the state and misusing their positions for personal gain. They have systemically destroyed every corporation and PSU in Meghalaya and reduced them to empty shells. Can anybody name a single PSU or Corporation that can be held up as an example of efficiency, thereby bearing out Mukul Sangma’s good judgment? How does the Chief Minister think he can justify these parasitical appointments with his wishy-washy theory of ‘grassroots’ commun-ication? I have two questions for the Chief Minister –
1) What is the annual expenditure, one-time and recurring, for these glorified appointments?
2) Can the State afford it? If the answer is Yes, can the CM provide a detailed explanation to support his argument?
Unlike in the past, local politicians cannot get away with carving up Meghalaya into personal fiefdoms through secret pacts. The public of today is better informed, more discerning and willing to ask tougher questions. People have a lower tolerance these days for so-called ‘established’ Government practices which they consider foolish or wasteful. Already people have given a big thumbs-down in 2014 elections to Incumbency, Corruption and Crony Capitalism, all hallmarks of the Congress-led govt. It is only a matter of time before the Central Government steps in to impose stricter audits for Central funds. The day of reckoning for corrupt politicians is around the corner. If Mukul Sangma does not want to go down in history as one of the most corrupt Chief Ministers of Meghalaya, he must do away with political appointments immediately. He must allow PSU and Corporations to be run by dedicated professionals and function with a greater degree of autonomy and public accountability. Clearly, that will not happen as long as politicians hold the reins of PSUs and Corporations. Political parasites must be shown the door before further damage is done, both to the State and to Sangma’s credibility as an administrator.
Yours etc.,
Karyn Marbaniang
Shillong-4