In a landmark moment for Meghalaya’s education system, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma officially inaugurated the Captain Williamson Sangma State University on January 13, marking the state’s first government-owned higher education institution. This historic launch ends a 50-year wait for Meghalaya to establish its own state university. “This university is not just a name; it is a promise. A promise of hope, growth, and limitless possibilities for the people of Meghalaya,” said Chief Minister Sangma during the inauguration ceremony. The university, named after Meghalaya’s first Chief Minister, has evolved since its 2011 conception. Originally envisioned as a technical university, it expanded in 2022 to offer both technical and non-technical programs, allowing for broader college affiliations across the state.
The university’s infrastructure, built at a cost of Rs 16.96 crore, was inaugurated in January 2023. During the launch, eight colleges, including Williamnagar College and Tura Christian College, submitted applications for affiliation. Notably, students opting for this university are exempt from the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions, though CUET requirements remain for colleges affiliated with North Eastern Hill University (NEHU). Chief Minister Sangma also announced plans for a Shillong campus to serve students from the Khasi and Jaintia Hills regions, ensuring greater accessibility. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Vasanthi Vijayakumar, emphasized the university’s focus on quality education, research, and holistic development. Recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act 1956, the institution is poised to make a significant impact on the state’s educational landscape.
In his address, Sangma acknowledged ongoing challenges in the education sector, including low enrollment in some schools and salary disbursement issues in government institutions. However, he expressed optimism, stating, “We have miles to go, but with determination, we will make this university a beacon of knowledge and pride for our state.”
