By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 4: Mahbubul Hoque, the chancellor of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM) has downplayed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s constant attacks.
After accusing Hoque of waging a ‘flood jihad’ on Guwahati, Sarma said his government would come up with plans to ensure that the students of USTM cannot apply for government jobs in Assam.
“Excellence has no enemy and once the students excel in their lives, no one can stop them,” the USTM chancellor said on Friday.
Stating that education is on the concurrent list, Hoque said most of the jobs today are based on competitive exams and students of the USTM are eligible for any university and any study. “No one can restrict students from any university anywhere in the country or abroad,” he said.
He admitted that the recent attack by the Assam government created apprehensions among the students but said the university has made the students understand that USTM is an A-grade university and among the top 200 in the country with the certification and accreditations given by the Centre.
Allaying fears among the students, he said: “We have to be aggressive, constructive, and responsive to provide quality education.”
Meanwhile, the USTM received the go-ahead from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the National Medical Commission for the PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital (PIMC).
Hoque announced that 40 seats would be allotted to the state government quota. The government fee structure would apply to 25 of these seats while the university will charge half the fee for the remaining 15 seats.
A similar allotment pattern would be applicable for the students of Meghalaya for paramedical courses, Hoque said.
The USTM can accommodate 150 students for its inaugural MBBS programme from the last week of October.
“This is a historic achievement for USTM and a crucial step in our journey to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare sector of the region and the nation. From now on, patients and students need not go outside the state for healthcare services,” Hoque said.
He further said that a super speciality hospital with an organ transplant facility will be fully functional within six months. “Super specialist doctors from other parts of the country will join the PIMC,” he added.
The college will offer a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster the development of medical professionals equipped to meet the healthcare needs of society, Hoque said.
Patients from Meghalaya will have access to free general treatment and get a 50% concession for super speciality services.