Shillong, October 8: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Thursday stressed the need for stronger industry partnerships and modernisation of technical education to equip students with practical skills and improve their employability in a rapidly changing job market.
Addressing the Diamond Jubilee celebration and closing ceremony of Shillong Polytechnic’s 60th anniversary at Mawlai Kyntonmassar, Rymbui said technical institutions must continuously upgrade their courses and training programmes to keep pace with emerging technologies and industry requirements. He informed that Meghalaya currently has four polytechnics, with three more expected to be established as part of the government’s efforts to expand technical and skill-based education across the State.
Highlighting the institution’s contribution over the past six decades, Rymbui said Shillong Polytechnic has produced more than 10,000 graduates, many of whom have gone on to occupy senior positions, including Chief Engineers and Heads of Departments. He also noted that the success of Shillong Polytechnic had paved the way for the establishment of other technical institutions, including the Shillong Government College of Engineering and the College of Architecture and Urban Planning.
Speaking on the theme “Vocationalising the Future,” the Minister questioned whether existing technical courses were adequately preparing students for emerging technologies such as electric vehicles, solar power and wind energy. He asked whether automobile engineering graduates possessed the skills required to service electric vehicles and whether electrical engineering students were receiving sufficient exposure to renewable energy technologies.
To bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements, Rymbui called for partnerships with automobile manufacturers, renewable energy agencies and industrial establishments. He suggested that mechanical engineering students could benefit from practical training at cement factories in East Jaintia Hills, while automobile and electrical engineering students could gain valuable experience through collaboration with relevant industries.
The Minister also proposed a more flexible approach to faculty recruitment, suggesting that instead of merely sanctioning permanent posts for new polytechnics, the government could provide funds to institutions to engage qualified teachers and industry experts according to their requirements. Stressing that government support alone would not be sufficient, Rymbui urged educational institutions to adopt innovative approaches to ensure that graduates possess the skills needed to remain competitive and employable.
Speaking on the occasion, Mawlai MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang congratulated Shillong Polytechnic on completing six decades of service and acknowledged the contributions of its students, teachers, staff and alumni. He said graduates of the institution have played an important role in developing Meghalaya’s roads, public infrastructure and engineering services, with many serving in various government departments.
Recalling his school days in 1996–97, Marbaniang said vocational education had received limited attention at the time, citing an instance when only one student opted for the vocational stream at Government Boys’ Higher Secondary School. He emphasised that technical education must be strengthened through three key pillars—practical learning, industrial collaboration and skill development—to prepare students for the demands of the modern economy.
Established in October 1965 under the erstwhile composite State of Assam, Shillong Polytechnic has remained a major institution for diploma-level technical education in Meghalaya. Over the years, its graduates have contributed to government departments, public sector undertakings, educational institutions, construction companies, power utilities and private industries both within and outside the State.
Meghalaya’s technical education network subsequently expanded with the establishment of Jowai and Tura Polytechnics in 2001 under the World Bank-assisted Third Technician Education Project. Further expansion saw the establishment of the Shillong Government College of Engineering in 2022, followed by Williamnagar Polytechnic and the College of Architecture and Urban Planning in 2026.
As part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, a commemorative publication titled “Diamond Jubilee Celebration: Shillong Polytechnic 1965–2026” was released, highlighting the institution’s history, achievements and contributions to technical education. The programme was attended by Director of Higher and Technical Education H.D.B. Sangma, Mawlai MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang, H. Sangma, MCS, senior officials, faculty members and other stakeholders.
The celebration marked 60 years of Shillong Polytechnic’s contribution to technical education while underscoring the need to strengthen industry collaboration, upgrade training facilities and prepare students for emerging employment opportunities.
