SHILLONG: Following the assertions of the Union Government that Meghalaya will get only a Agriculture College and not a university, the Opposition has made it clear that they stand United with the State Government in demanding for a Central Agriculture University and not a college.
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Opposition Chief Whip, PT Sawkmie said that the central government had intention of setting up of an Agricultural University in Meghalaya but there was a doubt now and the stand of the Congress is very clear that they need the Central Agriculture University and not a college in the state.
“Whatever the case may be, Central Agriculture University should be set up here and we cannot compromise on the matter,” he said
Informing that the state government has spent over Rs 4 crore for land acquisition and land acquisition was even notified in the state gazette, he urged all the 60 MLAs and three MPs to be united on the issue.
It may be mentioned that the state Agriculture Minister, Banteidor earlier had claimed that the state government would not settle for anything less than a full fledged central agriculture university to be set up at Kyrdemkulai in Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya.
Earlier, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar in his reply to Shillong MP Vincent Pala in the Parliament had made it clear that the state has to be satisfied with only an agriculture college.
“For an issue which concerns the state, we are ready to work with the Government,” he said
Meanwhile, the Khasi Students’ Union has stated that the Union would have a meeting and discuss about the new development into the matter.
KSU president, Lambok Marngar said that the demand of the Union remains the same and they want a university and not a college.
He also said that the Union would pursue the matter with the State Government.
