By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 13: The Opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Wednesday launched a sharp critique of proposals surrounding the Tura Medical College, warning that both the Congress MP’s call for an AIIMS conversion and the state government’s push for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) would undermine Meghalaya’s long-term interests.
TMC leader Richard Marak said the ongoing debate over the college goes far beyond an administrative matter. “The debate over the Tura Medical College is a debate over our future. As a youth and a concerned citizen, I feel it is my responsibility to speak to the proposals on the table and explain why they fall short of a truly sustainable vision for our state,” he said.
He criticised Congress MP Saleng Sangma’s proposal to convert the medical college into an AIIMS, saying that while the intention for a high-quality, centrally funded institution may be noble, it carries serious risks for Meghalaya.
“The conversion to an AIIMS would mean surrendering our local autonomy and diluting our reservation policies. It is a fundamental truth that an institution managed by a distant central bureaucracy will prioritise national policies over our specific state needs. We cannot afford to give up control of such a vital institution, as it would risk sidelining our local youth and our unique healthcare challenges. A prestigious brand name is no substitute for local ownership and self-determination,” Marak stated.
Turning his ire towards the Conrad Sangma-led government’s PPP model, Marak accused it of shirking responsibility.
“The government is attempting to justify this decision by citing staffing challenges. However, this is not an excuse to hand over an institution built with public funds to a private entity for profit. It is an evasion of responsibility and sets a dangerous precedent for future public projects,” he said. He warned that a PPP framework could make healthcare and medical education unaffordable, benefiting a few private stakeholders at the expense of the public.
Calling for a complete course correction, Marak declared that only a fully government-owned and operated medical college can safeguard Meghalaya’s interests. “This is not a matter of party politics, but a commitment to our state’s future. A state-run college guarantees that every job and every student seat is protected by fair policies, ensuring that our youth can build their careers and serve their communities without facing the pressures of privatization or the loss of local control,” he asserted.
He concluded with a direct appeal to the state’s leadership. “We urge the state government to abandon its flawed PPP model and we caution against the move to convert the college to an AIIMS. The time has come to choose the path of self-reliance and public service. Let us build an institution that is truly of, by, and for the people of Meghalaya,” Marak said.