By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 6: The HYC Education Cell strongly opposed the state government’s proposal to increase fees in government colleges across Meghalaya, warning it would be compelled to resort to democratic agitation if the decision is not withdrawn.
The organisation made it clear that it will continue resisting any policy undermining the rights and interests of the student community.
The HYC Education Cell, led by its education secretary Enlang Sawian, submitted a memorandum on Monday to Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui and the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), expressing strong objections to the proposed hike.
Addressing reporters after the submission, Sawian described the move as “regressive, unjust and deeply anti-student in nature”. He said such a decision would impose an additional financial burden on students, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds, and could severely affect their ability to continue higher education. He then criticised the education minister’s justification that scholarships would offset the impact of the fee hike.
According to Sawian, this claim fails to reflect the ground reality as delays in scholarship disbursements have been a persistent issue for years.
He pointed out that many students are often left struggling with financial constraints for extended periods due to these delays.
The HYC cautioned that, if implemented, the fee hike could lead to a rise in dropout rates and act as a deterrent for students aspiring to pursue higher education, adversely affecting the overall educational landscape of the state.
In its memorandum, the HYC stated that government colleges were established with the fundamental objective of ensuring equitable and affordable access to higher education for all sections of society, irrespective of their financial capabilities.
It noted that any increase in fees would directly undermine this principle and risk excluding a significant number of deserving students.
Rejecting the argument that the proposal aims to make institutions financially independent, the HYC argued that financial autonomy should not come at the cost of accessibility and inclusiveness.
It maintained that the primary responsibility of the government is to adequately fund and strengthen public educational institutions rather than transfer the financial burden to students and their families.
The HYC also pointed out that reliance on scholarships as a compensatory mechanism is unreliable, given the frequent disbursement delays that often leave students in financial distress.
In view of these concerns, the HYC demanded the immediate withdrawal of the proposed fee hike.
It urged the government to enhance funding for government colleges, ensure the timely release of scholarships and engage in meaningful consultations with students and stakeholders before implementing any such policy decisions.
Stating its commitment to safeguarding the interests of the student community, the organisation warned it would not hesitate to intensify its agitation if the government fails to address its demands.
