Shillong, May 25: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today called on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi to express his gratitude for his intervention to initiate the process for the appointment of Vice Chancellor for the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU).
In a letter submitted to the Union Minister, the Chief Minister said, “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.”
He also urged the Education Minister that the selection process be conducted with the utmost diligence, while ensuring that the appointment is not unduly delayed, in the larger interest 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,” he said in his letter.
He also took the opportunity to seek the Union Minister’s intervention on the five projects sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) for the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Tura Campus, Meghalaya, which are yet to be implemented. An amount of Rs. 35 crores has been released by the Ministry of Minority Affairs for the development of infrastructure.
“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.
It may be noted that the Ministry of Minority Affairs had earlier suggested CPWD as the implementing agency during the review meeting held on 14th October 2025.
The Chief Minister also briefed the Union Minister on Captain Williamson Sangma State University (CWSSU), which is being developed as a greenfield development model, and has sought financial assistance for infrastructure creation, academic expansion, laboratories, student hostels, faculty development, and professional education programmes.
He has submitted a request to the Minister for the sanction of financial assistance to CWSSU under the MERU (Multi-Disciplinary Education and Research Universities) vertical of PM-USHA, under which State Government Universities are eligible for grants of up to Rs. 100 crore each.
“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,” the Chief Minister said in his letter.
