Tura, May 02 : Meghalaya’s Education Minister, Rakkam A. Sangma, conducted an inspection of the ongoing development works at Captain Williamson Sangma State University in Balalgre on May 2nd, 2025.
The Minister was accompanied by Rangsakona Assembly Constituency MLA, Subir Marak, and the Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya, Education Department, H. M. Shangpliang.
During the visit, the Minister reviewed the progress of various amenities and utilities being developed at the campus. Officials from the Education Department, along with engineers and officers from the Public Health Engineering (PHE), Public Works Department (R&B), Power, and BSNL departments, were present.
Key Discussion Points:
- Public Health Engineering (PHE): PHE Department works are yet to commence. A borewell, treatment plant, and associated infrastructure are expected to be completed within a year. A temporary water supply system is being explored, and a natural spring on campus is being evaluated for potential use. A temporary water connection is expected to be completed within two months, before the start of the academic session in August 2025.
- Power Department: The campus currently relies on a temporary generator-based power supply. Although ₹44 lakh has been sanctioned for electrification, work has not begun. Department officials assured that electrification can be completed within one month of receiving the sanctioned amount. The Minister directed the department to initiate the work immediately. A 5% cost escalation is anticipated.
- Public Works Department (R&B): The boundary wall has been completed for the originally acquired 90 bighas of land, but approximately 50–60 bighas remain outside the boundary. The department will provide an estimate for a temporary or permanent boundary wall, based on the university’s requirements. Estimates for the construction of all internal roads within the campus will also be prepared.
- BSNL (Telecommunications): Underground fiber has been laid up to Garobadha. Additional facilities, including routers, hotspots, firewalls, and cybersecurity infrastructure, will be installed. All work is expected to be completed within one month following the release of sanctioned funds.
- Land Records: Documentation discrepancies exist due to the land’s original acquisition for a medical college. The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of West Garo Hills has been tasked with verifying and updating the records. A recent land survey, facilitated by the local MLA with support from villagers, revealed that the total land area under the university spans approximately 285 bighas.
- College of Architecture and Urban Planning: The building for the proposed College of Architecture and Urban Planning is complete but currently unutilized. Pending approvals, a request has been made to temporarily use the building as a Science Block, which the university plans to operationalize from next year.
- Coordination Committee: A Coordination Committee will be formed, chaired by D. D. Sangma, Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Education Department. Members will include representatives from the Deputy Commissioners of West Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills, as well as representatives from key line departments.
- Master Plan: The development of a comprehensive Master Plan has been recommended to enable phased and planned execution of construction and development works. The university is actively considering this and will be inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) shortly.
