50-acre plot allotted to varsity at concessional rate
Shillong, July 8: The state government has allotted 50 acres of land at Mawkhanu to St. Xavier’s University for setting up its campus near Shillong.
Informing this after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the decision follows years of deliberation since the state passed the Act for the university.
The university authorities had sought 100 acres from the government.
“We received a letter from the St Xavier’s authorities that they required 100 acres of land from the government to establish St Xavier’s University,” Sangma said.
The state cabinet, however, agreed to provide half of the requested land at a concessional rate.
“After detailed discussions, we have decided as a Cabinet that we will be able to give 50 acres of land to St. Xavier’s in Mawkhanu at the rate of about Rs 1 lakh per hectare,” he stated.
Sangma said the government views the project as a long-term investment in education and youth development.
“This is being done because St Xavier’s is a premier institute. This is an investment that we are making in our youth and in the future generations,” he said.
He added that the entry of a nationally recognised brand like St Xavier’s is expected to raise the standard of higher education in the state.
“By having institutes like St Xavier’s University, which is a brand known all over the country and the world, we are very positive that it will have a huge impact, especially in higher and technical education, and in the different opportunities that will be available for our youth,” the Chief Minister said.
He further linked the move to the state’s broader education goals.
“This goes in line with our commitment towards education and our vision to take the overall education sector to greater heights, and also to provide better opportunities for the youth of our state and the region as a whole,” Sangma said.
