Shillong: The newly established Captain Williamson Sangma State University is set to play a crucial role in preserving Meghalaya‘s rich cultural heritage.
A dedicated Department of Tribal Studies will be created within the university, with a primary focus on safeguarding and promoting the state’s endangered dialects and tribal languages.
Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma said the state government is committed to safeguarding the region’s rich cultural heritage through education and academic exploration.
He said the creation of a Tribal Studies Department is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
The Vice-Chancellor has been tasked with leading the university’s initial phase, focusing on establishing core departments and commencing academic activities.
The university plans to welcome its first students in 2025 while simultaneously initiating the process of affiliating colleges.
On college affiliations, Sangma stated, “We are currently assessing the most effective model for the university to function as an affiliating institution. A final decision on this matter will be made shortly.”
The education minister has outlined plans to propose land allocation for the university campus in New Shillong Township.
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“The university is also undertaking the necessary steps to obtain approval from the All India Council for Technical Education,” he added.
Notably, Captain Williamson Sangma Technical University, the first state-owned varsity in Meghalaya, recently received recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC).
This recognition empowers the university to award degrees to students as specified by UGC, requiring it to follow the Commission’s notifications issued from time to time.
