By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 24: The Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong will now be a State University after the State Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong Bill, 2026.
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui will table the Bill in the Assembly on Wednesday.
Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said that with the grant of university status, the institute will be empowered to award degrees to public health graduates and scholars, strengthening academic autonomy and enhancing the quality of higher education in the field of public health.
Stating that this development marks a significant step forward not only for the state but for the entire Northeast region, he said that as a State University, IIPH Shillong is expected to emerge as a key centre of excellence, contributing to capacity building, research, and the advancement of public health systems across the region.
Stressing the importance of research in epidemiology and disease prevention, Shylla said the government felt it was essential to strengthen institutions focused on public health research and training. “This institute is focused on research… especially in terms of epidemiology and other diseases. So that’s why the government has approved to upgrade the Indian Institute of Public Health as a state university,” he added.
Principal Secretary of Health Sampath Kumar said the institute is currently the only public health institute in the Northeast and has been functioning effectively for the past decade on a self-sustaining basis.
“It is the only such institute in the northeastern region. By granting the status of a university, it can actually give degrees to public health graduates and scholars,” Kumar said.
He noted that the upgraded institution would play a critical role in building a dedicated public health cadre not just for Meghalaya but for the entire Northeast.
Kumar also pointed out that while an IIPH in Gandhinagar already has university recognition, there is no such institution with similar status in the Northeast.
He described the Shillong institute as more of a research-driven university that contributes significantly through training programmes and data generation to guide healthcare interventions.
Key tourism infrastructure, welfare policies
The Cabinet also took a series of key decisions aimed at boosting tourism infrastructure and strengthening welfare administration in the state.
In a significant move, the Cabinet approved the amendment and extension of the lease agreement for Orange Roots Restaurant for a period of 30 years. The decision also includes the restructuring of lease rental payments under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. This step is expected to provide long-term operational stability to the restaurant and further promote tourism activities in Sohra, one of Meghalaya’s prime tourist destinations.
The Cabinet also granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the furnishing, operation and maintenance of the Eco Resort Nongkhlaw, alongside the expansion of its infrastructure. This development aims to enhance accommodation capacity and improve visitor amenities, thereby strengthening eco-tourism in the region.
In another important decision, the Cabinet approved the Meghalaya State Policy for the promotion of Anganwadi workers to supervisors. The policy is expected to streamline career progression within the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) framework, providing greater motivation and opportunities for Anganwadi workers across the state.
