Shillong, Jul 24: The Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress has objected to the decision made by the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) to provide rehabilitation and educational support to homeless and displaced children of evicted families in Assam.
Mahila Congress President Joplyn Scott Shylla in a statement said that the university had decided to rehabilitate the evicted children under its ‘Mission Rehabilitation Education’.
“While we do not stand against humanitarian support in general, we firmly believe that such initiatives must first prioritize the welfare of the local and indigenous children of Meghalaya, especially those from economically and socially vulnerable sections of the Khasi and other tribal communities,” she said.
The university, being located within the territory of Meghalaya and drawing resources from within the region, must focus on the upliftment of deserving children from the state before extending aid to others, the Mahila Congress said.
The indigenous people of Meghalaya, especially the youth, continue to face challenges in access to quality education, financial support, and livelihood opportunities. These should be addressed as a matter of priority, Shylla added.
The Mahila Congress has urged the Vice Chancellor and USTM the administration to reconsider its decision and to ensure that the interests and future of the local population are not compromised or sidelined in the name of broader welfare initiatives.
It also called upon the State government and other stakeholders to take cognizance of the matter to safeguard the rights and aspirations of the people of Meghalaya.
