The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) today demanded the setting up of a State university in view of the implementation of the Central University Entrance Test (CUET) in all central universities including NEHU.
In a letter to Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, the education cell of KSU pointed out that the CUET which will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admitting students to different under-graduates programmes in different central universities across the country has created an atmosphere of bewilderment and trepidation among the student’s community.
“Whereas, the date for registration has been notified by the competent authority to start commencing from April 6, 2022, students from Meghalaya were being informed about the same only on April 22, 2022 and directed by their respective educational institutions to register themselves in haste for the entrance exam through the NTA portal,” the KSU said.
“It is also very disheartening to learnt that, although the above mentioned entrance test was announced by the University Grant Commission in the late 2020, the Education Department of the State government and North Eastern Hills University, the only central university in Meghalaya where numerous colleges of Meghalaya are affiliated failed to strategise any plan for smooth implementation of the CUET and in sensitising the student’s community of the same,” the KDU added.
Stating that it is yet to be ascertained as to what extent the proposed entrance test may prove beneficial or detrimental to the aspiring students of Meghalaya, the KSU sought clarification from Rymbui with regards to the plans and strategy the Education Department to ease the difficulties of the students due to CUET.
The KSU reiterated its demand for a State university and said it would not only be a boon in terms of fulfilling the aspiration of the students community in the State but also would also help the State to deal with similar difficult situations that may arise in future.