Northeast Desk, 14th August: In response to the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) failing to secure a spot in the top 100 universities in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings, Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma has assured the public that the quality of education in the state remains “second to none.” He emphasized that NEHU’s strength lies in its highly qualified professors, teachers, and teaching faculty.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Sangma acknowledged the absence of NEHU in the NIRF top 100 but suggested that the criteria used for the rankings were not fully clear to him. He noted, however, that there is “room for improvement” at the university.
The minister expressed optimism about the future, stating that NEHU is likely to gain momentum with the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP). He hinted at the possible addition of new departments to the university, which could enhance its standing.
Sangma emphasized that the NIRF ranking does not reflect a decline in educational quality at NEHU. “We are second to nobody as we have qualified professors, teachers, and teaching faculty,” he asserted, highlighting the university’s strong academic foundation.
He also acknowledged some infrastructural challenges faced by NEHU, such as inadequate roads and transport facilities, but stressed that the core of quality education lies in effective classroom teaching.
When asked about future improvements, Sangma assured that the education department is committed to enhancing higher education and academic standards in the state. He mentioned that a preliminary report on the education system had been submitted by the education commission, with a comprehensive review of all aspects to follow.
The minister’s comments come at a time when the state’s educational institutions are under scrutiny, and efforts are being made to align them with national standards and policies.