SHILLONG: In a landmark moment for Meghalaya’s education sector, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today inaugurated the first academic session of the Shillong Government College of Engineering at its campus in Mawlai, Shillong. The launch marks a new chapter in the state’s pursuit of excellence in higher and technical education.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil Ahammed, Commissioner & Secretary (Education) Vijay Kumar Mantri, and Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai, along with senior officials, faculty members, and students.
Describing the event as “truly historic,” Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said the day would be remembered as a turning point in the state’s educational journey. He extended gratitude to all those who contributed to realizing the long-awaited project — from policymakers to officers and educators.
“Starting late does not mean we will be left behind,” the Chief Minister said. “With the right use of technology and innovation, Meghalaya can leapfrog in development just as India did in sectors like banking through UPI and Aadhaar.”
He shared an inspiring story of a young Khasi engineer from Shillong who developed cutting-edge software for S/4HANA system migration — a $10 billion global market — using Nvidia’s “Speed of Light” concept to drastically reduce testing time. “This is happening right here in Shillong,” he said, revealing that senior Nvidia officials had recently visited the city to explore collaborations.
New Opportunities for Youth and Expanding Tech Horizons
The Chief Minister announced that training for 50 local youths under this initiative has already begun, with plans to expand to 200–300 trainees. He said the programme will open new opportunities for Meghalaya’s youth in artificial intelligence, computing, and engineering.
He further announced that the second phase of the Shillong IT Park, featuring 3,000 seats, will be inaugurated by December 2025, with a UK-based company already expressing interest in beginning operations prior to the official opening.
In another major announcement, Sangma revealed that Shillong will host the National Artificial Intelligence Conference for the Eastern Region on December 3–4, 2025, positioning Meghalaya as a growing hub for innovation and technology in the Northeast.
Reforming Scholarship Disbursal and Investing in People
Addressing long-pending scholarship delays, the Chief Minister declared a significant policy shift — the state government will now release scholarship funds in advance, even before receiving disbursal from the Government of India.
“The Chief Minister’s Scholarship Scheme will be released before Christmas, and centrally sponsored scholarships will reach students ahead of the usual timeline,” he said.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to investing in human capital, Sangma added:
“Yes, we need roads and buildings, but ultimately, it is the quality of our people that determines the strength of our state.”
He also informed that the Shillong Medical College is ready for inauguration and will be launched soon, pending confirmation from either the Prime Minister or the Home Minister.
Encouraging the first batch of students, the Chief Minister said,
“Let’s not just look at where we are today — let’s look at where we want to go. Set high standards. Dream boldly. Think ahead. With the right courses, partnerships and collective effort, we can and will achieve great things.”
Leaders Laud Milestone in Technical Education
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong congratulated the principal, faculty, and the first batch of 50 students, commending the government’s consistent efforts to strengthen higher education in the state. He urged the faculty and students to strive toward making the college one of the finest engineering institutions in India.
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui highlighted the significant expansion of higher education under the current government. He noted that prior to 2018, Meghalaya had only five government colleges, but under Chief Minister Sangma’s leadership, new institutions have been established in Mawkyrwat, Rongjeng, Patharkhmah, and now Shillong.
He also announced that over 650 teaching posts have been sanctioned across colleges, while student scholarships have risen from just 5,000–6,000 before 2018 to around 45,000 today.
Infrastructure Boost for Technical Education
As part of the day’s programme, the Chief Minister also unveiled a plaque commemorating the first academic session of the Shillong Government College of Engineering and laid the foundation stone for a new RCC building at Shillong Polytechnic.
The new project — funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC) under the Ministry of DoNER, Government of India — will include workshops, laboratories, a smart classroom, teachers’ rooms, and an examination centre, significantly enhancing the state’s technical education infrastructure.
A Vision for the Future
The launch of the Shillong Government College of Engineering symbolizes Meghalaya’s commitment to empowering youth through quality education and technology-driven opportunities. With the state now poised to host major tech events, expand training programmes, and open new institutions, today’s inauguration marks not just a beginning, but a bold step toward building a knowledge-driven and future-ready Meghalaya.
