Delhi, May 25: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, during his Sunday meeting with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed gratitude for initiating the process for the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor for North Eastern Hill University (NEHU).
In a letter submitted to the Union Minister, Sangma said the move had brought “much-needed reassurance” and was widely welcomed by the university community.
“This step has brought much-needed reassurance and has been widely welcomed across the University community. It is important that this momentum is now carried forward with both urgency and thoughtful care,” the Chief Minister stated.
He urged the Union Education Ministry to ensure that the selection process is conducted with diligence while avoiding undue delays in the appointment process, considering the larger interests of the institution.
“Equally important is the need to identify a candidate who brings not only strong academic and administrative credentials, but also the experience, judgment, and leadership required to guide NEHU through its current challenges,” Sangma wrote.
The Chief Minister also sought the Union Minister’s intervention for the implementation of five projects sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) for NEHU’s Tura campus in Meghalaya.
According to the Chief Minister, an amount of Rs 35 crore has already been released by the Ministry of Minority Affairs for infrastructure development under the scheme, but the projects are yet to be implemented.
“These projects remain critically important not only for the University but also for the larger Garo Hills region, as they are integral to improving higher education infrastructure and fulfilling the aspirations of students and the community,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that the Ministry of Minority Affairs had earlier suggested the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) as the implementing agency during a review meeting held on October 14, 2025.
Sangma also briefed the Union Minister on the development of Captain Williamson Sangma State University (CWSSU), which is being established as a greenfield university project in the state.
He sought financial assistance for infrastructure development, academic expansion, laboratories, student hostels, faculty development, and professional education programmes at the university.
The Chief Minister requested that CWSSU be considered for financial assistance under the MERU (Multi-Disciplinary Education and Research Universities) component of the PM-USHA scheme, under which state universities are eligible for grants of up to Rs 100 crore.
“Meghalaya could not avail support under this vertical earlier due to the absence of a State University. With CWSSU now operational, the State is hopeful of participating meaningfully in this important national initiative,” Sangma said.
