GUWAHATI, Sep 20: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) and the Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch an international centre of excellence at USTM for research and employment generation.
Meghalaya Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui inaugurated the ‘International Centre of Excellence’ (ICE) on the USTM premises at Baridua on Monday in the virtual presence of Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, and presence of CIDC director general PR Swarup and USTM chancellor Mahbubul Hoque, among other dignitaries.
A ceremonial exchange of MoU also took place between USTM and CIDC after the inauguration of the centre.
Speaking on the occasion, Rymbui said the collaboration of USTM with CIDC would yield positive results for the development of human resources in the region.
He also said that research has to be carried out for balanced growth, keeping in mind the biosphere and economic development of the region.
In his virtual address, Pegu said that the centre would help accelerate growth in the Northeastern region. “The centre will definitely increase the employability of our students,” he said.
Earlier, welcoming the delegates, USTM chancellor said that the spirit behind USTM is entrepreneurship and research.
“The university is growing day by day and the International Centre of Excellence will extend value-added education to the youths of the region and the neighbouring countries,” he said.
Presenting the objectives of the centre, CIDC director general said that the new centre at USTM would be a landmark with 17 schools of specialisation.
“Emerging technologies, including operation of drone technology for surveillance and other purposes, will be utilised for research at the centre,” he added.
