The Meghalaya government has written to various colleges in the state offering them the opportunity to change their affiliation from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) to Captain Williamson Sangma State University.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma explained the reasoning behind the move and the implications for CUET (Central University Entrance Test) exemptions for students.
“Therefore, next year in the academic session, when the admissions take place, if a particular college is still affiliated to NEHU and students come requesting an exemption from CUET, I will not be able to grant that anymore,” he said.
“The pretext for our exemption was that we did not have a state university. We were the only state in the country that did not have a state university, and that was because we had NEHU, and we never felt the need for one. In the past, it wasn’t required. However, when the CUET issue arose, we immediately saw the necessity of having a state university,” the Chief Minister added.
Sangma emphasized that the decision to affiliate with Captain Williamson Sangma State University is entirely voluntary for colleges. “We have written letters to the colleges asking them to affiliate with us if they wish to. If they want to continue with NEHU, they are free to do so. We are not forcing anyone; it’s completely their decision,” he said. However, he clarified that “CUET exemption will not be available for students at NEHU-affiliated colleges moving forward.”
He also explained the advantages of affiliating with the new state university, including a more accessible affiliation process. “The biggest advantage of affiliating with us is that colleges will work directly with the state government, not the center. The state government will look at local conditions and make the affiliation process easier,” Sangma said. “Additionally, colleges that remain affiliated with NEHU will require their students to take the CUET exam, which will not be the case for those affiliated with the state university.”
Amid concerns surrounding the upcoming consecration ceremony of Captain Williamson Sangma State University on January 13, 2025, Sangma addressed allegations of the event being exclusively Christian. The university, named after Meghalaya’s first Chief Minister, is located in Balalgre, West Garo Hills. “This is a pure government program where the Vice Chancellor will be taking over, and proper government procedures will be followed,” the Chief Minister clarified. “We have invited everyone to attend, including church leaders and religious leaders from all backgrounds. The only thing we are doing is starting the program with a prayer, which is common in many events. There’s no question of a consecration program happening,” he said.
Sangma stressed that the event is open to all, regardless of religious background, and is a significant milestone for the state’s educational development. “This is a very important moment for us. Apart from the CUET issue, the university is essential for research, education, and the development of various departments. Therefore, this is a historic and memorable day for us, and that’s why we are giving it due importance,” he concluded.