The state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has joined the chorus of apprehension about sudden moves to force colleges in Meghalaya to switch their affiliation from the central North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) to the new state university, the Capt Williamson Sangma University (CWSU).
The announcement that government and government-aided colleges will have to switch affiliation once the CWSU is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) prompted concern from students’ unions and one political party yesterday, who were concerned that the new university would not be ready to suddenly take on the responsibility of overseeing so many colleges at once and that it would be difficult for university based in Tura when the majority of colleges are in Khasi-Jaintia Hills.
“An issue like affiliation of colleges has long standing ramifications, majorly impacting future generations of students,” the BJP said in a press release today, adding that that is why it has appealed to the state government to not take a hasty decision on the matter.
The party’s state unit has advised that all stakeholders be called for discussions, consensus be created amongst all and discomforts of those related with education be allayed before any such decision is taken.
“Williamson Sangma University is a recent entrant into the world of education, while NEHU is an established, prestigious name. A degree from a reputed central university carries extra weight when it comes to higher studies and jobs, a reality that has to be taken into account before making any such decision; an arbitrary decision on such a subject can adversely affect the entire education system of our state. Further scrutiny is necessary,” BJP Meghalaya’s chief spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang said in a release.
