SHILLONG: The newly established government-run Science and Commerce College in Mawphlang is reportedly facing severe functional deficiencies, prompting the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Mawphlang Unit to issue a strong call for immediate action from Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui.
Following a campus inspection on September 3, 2025—shortly after the first round of admissions for the 2025 academic year began—the KSU, led by President Bantyngshaiñ Lyngdoh Mawnai and General Secretary Baniengskhem Kharbani, found the institution to be severely lacking in 11 critical areas of infrastructure, safety, and staffing.
The Union warned that these shortcomings are serious enough to “cripple” the educational process for students, many of whom come from rural and economically weaker backgrounds.
Critical Safety and Infrastructure Gaps
The memorandum submitted to the Education Minister highlights major concerns over safety and core academic infrastructure:
- Safety on Approach Road: The KSU deemed the 2.30 km approach road from the main highway a lonely “jungle path” with dangerous winding corners. The Union has demanded an immediate college bus service and adequate illumination/lighting along the entire stretch to ensure the safety of students and staff.
- Essential Facilities Missing: The college is urgently short of necessary Laboratory equipment, which is vital for the science stream’s practical learning. Furthermore, the Library lacks both a complete set of books (forcing teachers to use personal collections for assignments) and essential Wifi connectivity for modern research.
- Water Crisis: Despite the irony of Mawphlang housing a PHE office that supplies water to Shillong, the college is forced to purchase nearly 3,000 litres of water monthly. The KSU insists on a proper water connection and storage facility.
Hostels, Permanent Staff, and Sanitation Deficits
The Union also raised serious concerns over staffing and student welfare:
- Hostel Delays: The KSU demanded the prompt completion of Hostels to provide affordable accommodation for distant students and those from low-income families currently struggling with rent.
- Staffing Crisis: To ensure administrative efficiency and quality education, the memorandum calls for the immediate appointment of permanent, qualified teaching staff and permanent office staff.
- Security and Hygiene: Through an RTI inquiry, the KSU discovered that no posts have been sanctioned for Security Guards and Cleaners. The Union asserts these posts are crucial for maintaining discipline, safety, and hygiene on campus.
- Aesthetics and Sports: Other demands include the paving of the muddy/dusty college compound and the construction of dedicated Playgrounds for Basketball, Football, and Volleyball to promote extracurricular activities.
“We firmly believe that this institution will greatly benefit the youth, especially those who cannot afford private colleges,” the KSU unit stated. The Union expressed confidence that Minister Rymbui would “fulfill these urgent needs without delay,” thereby promoting higher education and literacy in the rural area.
