Shillong, Dec 20: Preservation and promotion of the rich tribal heritage of Meghalaya will get a further boost with the newly-established Captain Williamson Sangma State University going to have a dedicated Department of Tribal Studies.
Creation of the department is aimed at preservation and promotion of the state’s endangered dialects and tribal languages.
Education minister Rakkam A Sangma announced the initiative while reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding the region’s rich cultural heritage through education.
“We are committed to safeguarding our cultural heritage through education,” he affirmed, adding, “Inclusion of a Tribal Studies department (in the university) is a significant step forward in this endeavour.”
Meanwhile, vice-chancellor of the university has been tasked with prioritising establishment of key departments and initiating academic activities in order to ensure smooth functioning of the university.
The classes are expected to commence in 2025 while also starting the process of affiliating colleges with the university.
On affiliation of colleges to the new university, the education minister said, “We are currently evaluating the best approach for the university to function as an affiliating institution. A definitive decision on this will be made soon.”
Meanwhile, Sangma announced plans to propose land allocation for the university campus in New Shillong Township.
Efforts to secure approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) are already under way, paving the way for the university’s long-term development.
