SHILLONG, April 26: Amid a general air of apprehension and dissent with regard to the controversial Common University Entrance Test (CUET), Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Tuesday revealed that the Meghalaya government wants the state to be exempted from the purview of CUET for at least a year.
He said that the government has already sent a letter to the concerned authorities in this regard seeking exemption for Meghalaya for this year to which it is awaiting a communication.
“We will follow it up aggressively. Though they have agreed for setting up of centres in every district, it takes time. How can we set up centres in all the districts in such a short time?” Tynsong said.
CUET will be challenging
for Meghalaya: Saleng
On the other hand, NCP state president, Saleng Sangma, on Tuesday said implementing CUET will be challenging for Meghalaya, especially in the Garo Hills.
He told The Shillong Times that not only there is a lack of awareness on CUET in the Garo Hills but the region also lacks connectivity and good transportation facilities.
He said CUET is not suitable for the state and that it will be another trouble for the poor families.
“There are many poor people who cannot even afford to pay their examination fees. How are they going to bear the burden of CUET?” Sangma said. “It may be a good idea for the rich but the poor will find it tough to pay their SSLC and HSSLC fees. They are often forced to sell their livestock and mortgage (assets) to pay the fees,” he said.
According to him, the centres for CUET will come up in Shillong and Tura but not in the villages.
But Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said CUET is a reality and the state government is trying to ensure that the burden of students is reduced.
“CUET will not hamper or deprive students of their higher studies,” he said.
The Minister said the National Testing Agency has committed to setting up the CUET centres in all districts of the state.
A consultation meeting, convened by the North Eastern Hills University (NEHU) with the principals and the heads of institutions last week, had decided to go ahead with CUET, 2022.
The state government had supported the decision. Students seeking admission to the colleges affiliated to the NEHU will be required to appear for CUET from now on.