SHILLONG, JUL 8: The state Cabinet on Wednesday approved the allotment of 50 acres of government land in Mawkhanu to St. Xavier’s University for the establishment of its campus in Shillong, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has said.
After chairing the meeting, Sangma said the decision was taken after detailed deliberations and in line with the government’s commitment to strengthen higher education in the state.
He said the state had received a formal request from the authorities of the institute.
“During the process, there were a lot of discussions and negotiations that took place. Finally, we received a letter from the St. Xavier’s authorities that they required 100 acres of land from the government to establish St. Xavier’s University,” Sangma said.
After considering the request, the Cabinet decided to allot half the area sought, at a highly concessional rate.
“After detailed discussions, we have decided as a Cabinet that we will be able to give 50 acres of land to St. Xavier’s in Mawkhanu at the rate of about Rs 1 lakh per hectare, which is a very concessional rate,” he said.
The Chief Minister described the move as an investment in the state’s youth, and said the presence of a nationally and globally reputed institution would boost the education sector.
“This is being done because St. Xavier’s is a premier institute. This is an investment that we are making in our youth and in the future generations,” Sangma stated.
“By having institutes like St. Xavier’s University, which is a brand known all over the country and the world, we are very positive that it will have a huge impact, especially in higher and technical education, and in the different opportunities that will be available for our youth,” he added.
Sangma said the decision also reflects the government’s larger vision for education in Meghalaya and the region.
“This goes in line with our commitment towards education and our vision to take the overall education sector to greater heights, and also to provide better opportunities for the youth of our state and the region as a whole,” the Chief Minister said.
