Meghalaya Plans Major Higher Education Reform, Fees May Drop from Rs 66,000 to Rs 15,000

The government plans to streamline this by introducing just two or three clear categories: government, grant-in-aid government, and private.

In a bold move to make higher education more affordable and accessible, the Meghalaya government is planning a complete overhaul of its college financing model by phasing out the long-standing “deficit” system. The state aims to bring deficit colleges under full government control, cut student fees significantly, and simplify the current administrative classification of teachers.

Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma announced that the government will soon begin consultations with stakeholders to ensure a smooth and inclusive transition.

One of the biggest benefits of this reform will be the drastic reduction in student fees. At present, the semester fee for a Bachelor of Arts (BA) course at Shillong College stands at Rs. 66,230. Under the new system, the fee could come down to just Rs. 15,000, Rakkam Sangma said.

The current system places a heavy financial burden on the state. Out of the 75 colleges in Meghalaya, more than 40 receive state funding for sanctioned posts. Giving a financial overview, the minister revealed that the government spends Rs. 21.6 crore annually on St. Anthony’s College, Rs. 12.9 crore on Shillong College, Rs. 15.6 crore on St. Edmund’s College, Rs. 12 crore on Lady Keane College, and Rs. 14.28 crore on St. Mary’s College.

These colleges follow a mixed funding model, supported by both state schemes and University Grants Commission (UGC) assistance. However, their management structures differ, ranging from semi-government to private bodies. Many of them operate under the “deficit” mode, where the government covers part of the expenditure but has limited administrative control.

The current education system in the state categorizes teachers into 13 different groups, which creates confusion and inequality. The government plans to streamline this by introducing just two or three clear categories: government, grant-in-aid government, and private.

To support this transition, the state will introduce a new system called the Meghalaya Education Grant. This grant will help manage funds for institutions that come under the new model.

While most colleges have expressed willingness to adopt the changes, some managements want to retain their independent status. Sangma clarified that the government will respect their decision. Institutions that do not want to come under full government control will be treated as private and will need to manage their operations using the Meghalaya Education Grant.

Sangma assured that the government will not impose the changes abruptly. “We will move forward only after holding detailed consultations with all concerned institutions,” he said.

Also Read: Meghlaya CM Questions Agenda of Opposition Parties in Not Taking Part in All-Party Committee on Railways. Will Move Forward Only after Taking Everyone on Board

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