Govt raps ally BJP on USTM sanction row

SHILLONG, March 18: The state government on Tuesday asked its coalition partner, the BJP, not to be presumptive when raising issues such as the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), as no financial sanction has been made yet. The government assured that any decision, once taken, would be made public.
Health Minister and MDA II spokesperson Ampareen Lyngdoh stated, “Please do not presume anything. Presumption is unverified information. When the government makes its sanction, you will be informed. As of today, a request has been made, but no decision has been taken. When we are ready to take a call, we will let the public know. As of now, nothing has happened, so we cannot make assumptions.”
It may be noted here that the USTM has requested the state government to provide an interest-free loan of Rs 233 crore for the PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital, a joint venture between USTM and the state government. In return, 40 seats would be allotted as state government seats, with 25 under the government fee structure and 15 at half the university’s fee structure.
Following allegations of USTM issuing fake degrees, made by BJP senior leader and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Meghalaya BJP unit attempted to corner the state government, raising questions about whether USTM is a private or government institution and why its fee structure is higher than that of most state-run institutions.
Clearing the air, Lyngdoh stated that many institutions submit requests to the government, but all are thoroughly evaluated. She emphasised that the government scrutinises every request, considering conditions, impact, and expected outcomes. She further clarified that USTM has only been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the state government to operate its medical college under the name PA Sangma Medical College. She added, “That is the only relevant information and the only thing that is actually happening. It is unfair to debate based on assumptions. That is not how we govern.”
Lyngdoh also highlighted that a privately-run medical college in Meghalaya would be beneficial, as it would provide local students with access to higher and technical education, which was previously unavailable. She noted that the terms and conditions outlined in the NOC ensure local students have access to education. She also expressed hope that two more government-run medical colleges would begin functioning soon.
Urging the BJP not to jump to conclusions, Lyngdoh reiterated that from the start, the government has been analysing the pros and cons of every decision. She said that no final decision has been taken yet and that while people may infer whatever they wish, the government will proceed based on what has been decided and what is best for the state.
She added that the government has carefully evaluated the benefits and drawbacks of allowing a medical college of this nature, particularly in terms of reserved seats for local students, which gives the state an advantage. She stated that what happens within the institution is beyond the government’s purview and that the administration does not engage in debates on matters outside its jurisdiction.
As per the USTM proposal, 40 seats will be allotted as state government seats, with 25 under the government fee structure and 15 at half the university’s fee structure. A similar allotment pattern will apply to paramedical courses for students from Meghalaya. In terms of healthcare, USTM has proposed a 50 per cent concession for super-specialty healthcare services for patients from Meghalaya, along with free general treatment facilities. One of the major objectives of the proposal is to attract ASEAN countries to avail healthcare services at PA Sangma International Medical College in the future.