Shillong, Feb 24: The Meghalaya cabinet today approved the introduction of the Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong Bill 2026, which will pave the way for the institute to be accorded the status of a state university.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, cabinet minister and government spokesperson Wailadmiki Shylla said the cabinet cleared four formal agendas, including the proposal to upgrade the Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH), Shillong, into a state university.
He said the move is important, particularly in light of recent incidents, including the “unfortunate incident which happened to late Shillong MP, Ricky Syngkon.”
Stressing the importance of research in epidemiology and disease prevention, Shylla said the government felt it was essential to strengthen institutions focused on public health research and training. “This institute is focused on research… especially in terms of epidemiology and other diseases. So that’s why the government has approved to make this Indian Institute of Public Health a state university,” he added.
Principal Secretary of Health, Sampath Kumar, said the institute is currently the only public health institute in the North East and has been functioning effectively for the past decade on a self-sustaining basis.
“By granting the status of a university, it can actually give degrees to public health graduates and scholars,” Kumar said.
He noted that the upgraded institution would play a critical role in building a dedicated public health cadre not just for Meghalaya but for the entire North East. “This will be an important institution for the whole North East because it can really build the public health workforce required not only for the state but for the entire region,” he said.
Kumar also pointed out that while an IIPH in Gandhinagar already has university recognition, there is no such institution with similar status in the North East. He described the Shillong institute as more of a research-driven university that contributes significantly through training programmes and data generation to guide healthcare interventions.
Apart from this, the cabinet also approved an amendment for the extension of a lease agreement for a restaurant at Rait Nohkhlieh, Sohra, near Orange Roots, for a period of 30 years with restructuring of lease rental payments under a PPP model.
The cabinet further granted approval for a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the furnishing, operation and maintenance of the Eco Resort at Nongkhlaw, including expansion of infrastructure.
Lastly, the cabinet approved the Meghalaya State Policy for promotion of Anganwadi workers to supervisors.
