Shillong: Meghalaya will have its first state university with the cabinet on Friday deciding to table the Captain Williamson Sangma Technical University Amendment Bill in the assembly during the coming budget session to pave the way for turning it into a State university.
“Since this will be the first state university, we will offer courses in higher education in the fields of humanity, commerce, general science, engineering, physical sciences, life sciences technology and related matters,” Tourism minister and government spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh told reporters.
“Our efforts now is to strengthen the various departments so that this university becomes a success story,” he said, referring to the university at Tura, headquarters of West Garo Hills district.
The cabinet also discussed the Governor’s address and approved enhancement of grant-in-aid of pre-primary school teachers, which would be raised from Rs 12,000 to Rs 18,000 per month.
Lyngdoh also mentioned about the key issues in the Governor’s speech to be read out on the first day of the budget session on March 20.
He said the governor would mention about the progress of talks with the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), tackling the menace of drugs, settlement of the remaining six areas of disputes along the inter-state boundary with neighboring Assam among others.
“The Governor’s address will cover significant points, including the focus of the government on several areas like infrastructure and critical sectors,” Lyngdoh informed.
He also informed that the governor’s address will also cover farmers’ welfare, animal husbandry and veterinary and other growth-oriented initiatives that the government will be taking.
Lyngdoh also said that emphasis would be laid on youth programmes, art and culture, and tourism.
“Tourism will achieve due regards and importance and will be sustainable, responsible, employment generating with community participation, technology-driven and in synergy with other schemes,” Lyngdoh, who holds the tourism portfolio highlighted.
Chief Minister Conrad l Sangma, who holds the finance portfolio, is scheduled to present the budget estimates of the newly formed Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA)-2.0 government for the financial year 2023-2024 on March 23.
