Tura, Jan 13 (Reporter) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday inaugurated the state’s first-ever state-owned university, the Captain Williamson Sangma State University. The launch event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Snaiwbhalang Dhar, Education Minister Rakkam Sangma, Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal and Speaker Thomas Sangma, along with other dignitaries. Initially conceived in 2011 as Captain Williamson Sangma State Technical University, the institution was renamed in 2022 to include both technical and non-technical colleges across the state. Named in honour of Captain Williamson A. Sangma, Meghalaya’s founding Chief Minister, the university is designed to provide higher education while fostering research and innovation. “This university is not just a name; it is a promise—a promise of hope, growth, and limitless possibilities for the people of Meghalaya,” the Chief Minister Sangma and termed the launch of the university as a “red letter day” in the state’s history. He said that the operationalisation of the university is a commitment of the government for the people of the state. “In over 50 years of existence, the state had no university of its own. The establishment of state owned university is testimony of our government’s initiative to promote growth and development of the education sector”, Sangma said. Acknowledging the challenges in the education sector, Sangma expressed optimism that as the state marches ahead, the educational scenario of the state will further improve. “We have miles to go, but with determination, we will make this university a beacon of knowledge and pride for our state,” he emphasised. The Chief Minister also announced that Shillong Campus of the university will be established, which will facilitate administration and accessibility to students from Khasi and Jaintia Hills region of the state. The university will begin its operation for now onwards and all colleges within the state can opt to apply for affiliation with the state owned university. Students at affiliated colleges will not be required to take the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, a significant exemption compared to colleges affiliated with North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. The Chief Minister encouraged colleges to affiliate with the new university, promising state government support to ensure the growth and development of affiliated institutions. The launch event also addressed the challenges facing the state’s education sector, including low school enrollment and performance issues. Sangma assured that the government is committed to improving accountability and the administration of quality education services. Prof. Vasanthi Vijayakumar, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the university, vowed to deliver quality education while promoting research and holistic development. The launch programme also witnessed the formal submission of affiliation applications from various colleges, they are : Williamnagar College, Williamnagar, Captain Williamson Sangma College, Baghmara, Rongjeng Model College, Rongjeng, Ampati Degree College, Ampati, PA Sangma Abong Noga College, Tura, Mason Philips Academy, Tura, Mirriam Rural Women's College and Tura Christian College. The University Grants Commission recognized the establishment of the Captain Williamson Sangma State University as per section 2(f) of UGC act 1956 vide an official letter dated 6th December, 2024...////...