Tura, Jan 13: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday set on the roll the first state-owned university on Meghalaya – “Captain Williamson Sangma State University” in presence of speaker Thomas A. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Snaiwbhalang Dhar, Education Minister Rakkam Sangma and Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal.
The infrastructure of the university was inaugurated in January 2023. In June 2018, the approval for construction at the cost of ₹ 16.96 Cr was initiated.
The university has been named after the first Chief Minister of the state, Captain Williamson A Sangma.
In 2011, the establishment of the university was originally conceptualised as Captain Williamson Sangma State Technical University to affiliate technical colleges in the state. However, in 2022, the state government had to rename the university as Captain Williamson Sangma State University, to ensure that both technical and non-technical colleges could be affiliated to it.
Terming the launch of the university as a “red letter day”, the Chief Minister said, “The university will not only cater to higher education but will also promote research and innovation, ensuring transformative change in the educational scenario of the state.”
He said that the operationalisation of the university is a commitment of the government for the people of the state. “In over 50 years of existence, the state had no university of its own. The establishment of state owned university is testimony of our government’s initiative to promote growth and development of the education sector”, the chief minister said.
“This university is not just a name; it is a promise. A promise of hope, growth, and limitless possibilities for the people of Meghalaya,” he added.
Acknowledging the challenges in the education sector, the chief minister expressed optimism that as the state marches ahead, the educational scenario of the state will further improve.
“We have miles to go, but with determination, we will make this university a beacon of knowledge and pride for our state,” he emphasised.
He also announced that Shillong Campus of the university will be established, which will facilitate administration and accessibility to students from Khasi and Jaintia Hills region of the state.
“The university will begin its operation for now onwards and all colleges within the state can opt to apply for affiliation with the state owned university,” he informed, while stating that an affiliation with state owned university will ensure that the students will not be required to appear for Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for under-graduation and post-graduation courses in colleges affiliated to Captain Williamson Sangma State University.
He also informed that CUET will be applicable to colleges affiliated with the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong.
“I urge the colleges to take this opportunity and affiliate with Captain Williamson Sangma State University,” he said, adding that the state government will support affiliated institutions in every way possible to ensure its growth.
Highlighting the education scenario in elementary, secondary and higher secondary schools, he spoke at length on enrolment, performance of schools, single digit enrolment in schools, and burden on the government for disbursement of salaries for government supported schools, including aided, deficit, Adhoc and SSA.
He said that the government is addressing the challenges in the education sector and will rationalise measure for ensuring accountability and administration of quality education services in the state.
“The road ahead is challenging, but with the right team, vision, and determination, we will overcome these hurdles,” he added.
Others who were present on the occasion included Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira, MLAs Sanjay A Sangma, Ian Botham K Sangma, Subir Marak, Sengchim Marak, Jim Sangma, Limison Sangma, Marthon Sangma, Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Vasanthi Vijayakumar, CEM of GHADC Albinus Marak, Deputy CEM Nikman Marak, and other dignitaries.
Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, and Speaker Thomas A. Sangma spoke on the occasion and underscored the need for continuous efforts to uplift the state’s education sector.
Prof. Vasanthi Vijayakumar, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Captain Williamson Sangma State University said that the university will deliver quality education and promote research and foster holistic development.
Commissioner and Secretary Education Department, Vijay Kumar Mantri underscored the importance of the university in bridging the education gap and contributing to Meghalaya’s growth. “This is a day that will be remembered in the history of our state,” he said.
The launch programme also witnessed the formal submission of affiliation applications from various colleges, they are : Williamnagar College, Williamnagar, Captain Williamson Sangma College, Baghmara, Rongjeng Model College, Rongjeng, Ampati Degree College, Ampati, PA Sangma Abong Noga College, Tura, Mason Philips Academy, Tura, Mirriam Rural Women’s College and Tura Christian College.
The University Grants Commission recognized the establishment of the Captain Williamson Sangma State University as per section 2(f) of UGC act 1956 vide an official letter dated 6th December, 2024.