Meghalaya: 99 percent colleges going ahead with implementing NEP: Edu min Rakkam A Sangma

Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma said that future of students has always been the top priority of the government

Meghalaya Education Minsiter Rakkam A Sangma has affirmed that 99 percent of colleges in the state have begun the process for implementation of 4-year degree courses under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The minister’s statement comes amid differences between the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and its affiliated colleges over the rolling out of the NEP.

Speaking exclusively to Northeast Live, the Meghalaya Education Minister stated that future of the students have always been the top priority of the government.

Rakkam A Sangma said, “I think nobody will be left out, they (colleges) will take their own decision but I want them (colleges) to take a decision, that is they should not bring any problem for our students. Students’ future is on the top priority. Our colleges are affiliated to NEHU. Whatever the central university (NEHU) decides, they (colleges) have to follow.”

Besides, Sangma added that the government is open for talks to resolve any kind of issues. He stated, “I want to request them (colleges) that if there is any issue that would be sorted out. Let them bring those issues to discussion. We will also be happy to sit with them. The aim would be to bring out a solution. But the future of students is always our priority.”

With regards to the ongoing stalemate between the NEHU and the Meghalaya College Teachers Association (MCTA) and NEHUTA, the minister said, the state Government has asked both the parties to sort things out because there is no opposition from any student, principal or management (against NEP implementation).

He said the government now leaves it to the heads of the different institutions and their management to decide on the NEP.

Commenting on the row over the introduction of 4-year degree courses Rakkam A Sangma said, “If we continue with the 3-year degree courses, our students will graduate in 2026 and in 2026, where our students will go for admission. If they go to Assam, Delhi and other States Universities since they already implemented NEP and 4-year degree courses, I doubt whether our students will be eligible for further studies for post graduate courses or not.”

COMMENTS