Meghalaya Gets it First State Owned University

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday launched the state’s first owned university – “Captain Williamson Sangma State University” in presence of speaker Thomas A. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Snaiwbhalang Dhar, Education Minister Rakkam Sangma and Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal.

The infrastructure of the university was inaugurated in January 2023. In June 2018, the approval for construction at the cost of ? 16.96 Cr was initiated.

In 2011, the establishment of the university was originally conceptualised as Captain Williamson Sangma State Technical University to affiliate technical colleges in the state. However, in 2022, the state government had to rename the university as Captain Williamson Sangma State University, to ensure that both technical and non-technical colleges could be affiliated.

Terming the launch of the university as a “red letter day”, the Chief Minister said, “The university will not only cater to higher education but it will promote research and innovation, ensuring transformative change in the educational scenario of the state.”

He said that the operationalisation of the university is a commitment of the government for the people of the state. “In over 50 years of existence, the state had no university of its own. The establishment of state owned university is testimony of our government’s initiative to promote growth and development of the education sector”, the chief minister said.

“This university is not just a name; it is a promise. A promise of hope, growth, and limitless possibilities for the people of Meghalaya,” he added.

Acknowledging the challenges in the education sector, the chief minister expressed optimism that as the state marches ahead, the educational scenario of the state will further improve. “We have miles to go, but with determination, we will make this university a beacon of knowledge and pride for our state,” he emphasised.

He also announced that Shillong Campus of the university will be established, which will facilitate administration and accessibility to students from Khasi and Jaintia Hills region of the state.