Photo Courtesy: nenews
Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma met with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi on Monday to discuss strategies for improving higher education across Meghalaya and the North East. The meeting covered both systemic state-level reforms and specific institutional challenges facing central universities.
Sangma addressed the urgent need for a new Vice-Chancellor at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), where administrative uncertainty has led to months of unrest and protests. While the central government began the search for a new head on May 20, with applications open until June 18, the Chief Minister sought to ensure stability. Additionally, he requested that the Centre expedite pending projects under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram at the NEHU Tura campus.
During the session, the Chief Minister outlined several state initiatives aimed at raising Meghalaya’s Performance Grading Index score. These efforts include school rationalization, infrastructure upgrades for government schools, and the implementation of the Meghalaya Teacher Eligibility Test to enhance educator quality. He also highlighted a new structured pay framework for ad hoc, SSA, and fourth teachers, alongside support programs for students who have dropped out of school.
Seeking to bolster higher learning within the state, Sangma requested central support for the growth of Captain Williamson Sangma State University through the PM-USHA MERU initiative. He concluded the meeting by expressing his appreciation for the Union Minister's guidance in strengthening educational institutions and creating better opportunities for local students.
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