Shillong: A coalition of civil society groups and traditional bodies across Garo Hills is fighting the government over the future of Tura Medical College. They sent a formal protest to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma demanding the facility remain under complete state control. They want no private sector involvement in the institution.
The coalition includes the GSU, ACHIK, NGCO, GSMC, Garo Enlightenment Society, Achik National Youth Organization, All Achik Youth Federation, Nokma Sani Union, and Civil Society Achik Welfare Organisation. These groups insist the project was paid for with public money. They argue it must serve the public interest alone.
Concerns run deep. The groups worry that shifting to a hybrid management model could threaten reservation quotas for Scheduled Tribe students. They fear private management will add management or private-category seats. This would cut opportunities for local indigenous students. They also argue that medical and treatment costs will spike, hurting the rural and economically vulnerable population of the region.
Accountability is at stake. The signatories stated that "public assets financed by taxpayers must remain under complete government control." They warned that handing over the college to private stakeholders weakens oversight and breeds feelings of regional neglect. The groups reminded the Chief Minister that they have submitted consistent protests over the past year.
The coalition wants a formal gazette notification confirming full state management. They are not backing down. If the state forces the PPP model forward, the groups plan to launch large-scale, peaceful agitations across Garo Hills.
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