Opp corners MDA govt over engineering college limbo

SHILLONG, March 4: The Opposition on Tuesday questioned the state government over the delay in making the Shillong Government College of Engineering operational, despite its inauguration by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on January 16, 2023.
Responding to a query raised by VPP MLA from Mawlai constituency, Brightstarwell Marbaniang, Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma stated that the construction of key infrastructure — including the academic block, administrative block, and boys’ and girls’ hostels — had been completed and inaugurated by the Chief Minister.
He informed the House that essential service connections, such as water supply and electricity, are in place. Additionally, the government has approved the establishment of the college and sanctioned 55 posts for faculty and staff.
Rakkam further stated that the state government has appointed the Additional Director of Polytechnic, Shillong Engineering College, to hold additional charge as Principal of the Shillong Government College of Engineering. Moreover, 13 faculty members from Shillong Polytechnic, who are qualified to teach engineering courses, have been assigned to the new college.
He added that the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) has granted provisional affiliation to the college for three years. “On December 26, 2024, the Shillong Government College of Engineering (SGCE) applied for AICTE approval to commence two technical courses — Civil Engineering and Electrical Engineering. Subsequently, two AICTE scrutiny meetings were held on January 22, 2025, and February 4, 2025.
Experts from AICTE advised the college authorities to address certain infrastructure deficiencies, which are currently being worked on,” he stated.
In response to a supplementary question from the Mawlai MLA regarding whether the state government had followed All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) guidelines before constructing the infrastructure, the Education minister acknowledged that AICTE guidelines are occasionally updated.
“The observations made by AICTE are being addressed, and we are hopeful that the college will become operational at the earliest,” he assured.
He further confirmed that the academic session will commence as soon as the state government receives final approval from AICTE.