Shillong: The Regional Workshop on the Implementation of RUSA/PM-USHA for the North Eastern States was inaugurated today by Meghalaya Education Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui at the State Convention Centre, Shillong. The workshop was organized by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, and brought together officials and stakeholders from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim.
The programme was attended by Joint Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, Avni Gupta Pethia; Commissioner & Secretary, Education Department and State Project Director, RUSA/PM-USHA, Government of Meghalaya, Vijay Kumar Mantri, IAS; Commissioner & Secretary R. Rapthap, IAS; Director of Higher and Technical Education and Deputy State Project Director, RUSA/PM-USHA, Smt. H.D.B. Sangma, MCS; Joint Director of Higher and Technical Education, Dr. B.D. Cajee; consultants from the Ministry of Education, Government of India; principals and governing body members of institutions from across the North Eastern Region.
In his inaugural address, Lahkmen Rymbui underscored the critical role of education in nation-building and highlighted the Meghalaya Government’s sustained commitment towards strengthening the education sector under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. He stated that education remains one of the State Government’s top priorities and emphasized the need to strengthen higher education institutions to achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047.
The Minister acknowledged the transformative impact of the National Education Policy (NEP) while also drawing attention to persistent challenges in infrastructure development, project implementation, and service delivery. He highlighted the unique geographical and topographical constraints faced by the North Eastern states, noting that difficult terrain, land availability issues, communication barriers, and logistical challenges often delay project execution despite the commitment of beneficiary institutions and state governments.
Citing examples from Meghalaya, Rymbui pointed out that even where adequate land is available, steep slopes and difficult terrain often limit infrastructure development. He appealed to the Ministry of Education to continue adopting a flexible and pragmatic approach in project implementation and fund release mechanisms, considering the unique realities of the region.
The Minister further emphasized the importance of collaborative stakeholder engagement, stating that successful implementation of educational projects requires active participation from institutions, communities, local authorities, and government agencies. He also reiterated Meghalaya’s efforts to expand access to higher education through the establishment of new institutions and the strengthening of existing colleges and universities.
Addressing the gathering, Joint Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, Avni Gupta Pethia highlighted the objectives of PM-USHA and RUSA in creating globally competitive institutions and improving access, equity, and quality in higher education. She informed participants that the Ministry has been continuously engaging with states through review meetings, workshops, and field visits to ensure timely completion of projects.
She noted that nearly 80 percent of the RUSA projects sanctioned in the North Eastern Region have been completed despite geographical challenges. She stressed the importance of expediting the remaining projects, particularly as the deadline for closure of pending RUSA projects approaches. She also urged states to accelerate the implementation and utilization of PM-USHA funds, assuring them of the Ministry’s continued support and willingness to address genuine implementation challenges.
The Joint Secretary acknowledged the unique geographical conditions of the North Eastern Region and reiterated the Government of India’s commitment through the 90:10 funding pattern under centrally sponsored schemes. She commended the states for their encouraging performance and emphasized that the ultimate objective of these initiatives is to provide students with equitable, accessible, inclusive, and quality higher education opportunities.
Commissioner & Secretary, Education Department, Government of Meghalaya, and State Project Director, RUSA/PM-USHA, Vijay Kumar Mantri, IAS, welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of the workshop in reviewing the progress of higher education reforms in the region. He stressed that while infrastructure development remains important, the broader challenge lies in strengthening higher education governance, academic quality, and institutional capacity.
The workshop will deliberate on project implementation, fund utilization, infrastructure development, and strategies to ensure timely completion of ongoing RUSA and PM-USHA projects across the North Eastern States.
