Shillong, Oct 23: The A’chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) on Wednesday asked the USTM’s PA Sangma International Medical College to introduce special fee concessions for local students from Meghalaya.

In a letter to the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof (Dr) Gauri Dutt Sharma, the ACHIK said, “Introducing scholarships or fee waivers for students hailing from Meghalaya, particularly those from rural and economically disadvantaged communities, would greatly enhance accessibility. This could take the form of merit-based or need-based financial assistance.”

It also suggested that offering flexible payment structures, such as instalment plans or deferred payment options, would ease the financial burden on families and encourage more local students to apply.

Asserting the need for collaboration with governmental bodies, the organization said, “Partnering with the state government and other local institutions to create subsidized seats for Meghalaya’s students can ensure that more of our local youth are able to access medical education.”

The ACHIK also mentioned the need for community engagement and said, “Initiating dialogue with local leaders, educators, and communities will help in understanding their concerns and developing strategies that align with the educational aspirations of the local population.”

“We firmly believe that addressing the issue of high fees will align with the university’s long-term vision of uplifting the state and producing skilled professionals who can serve the healthcare needs of Meghalaya. By making education more accessible, P.A. Sangma International Medical University can be a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations of students,” it stated in the letter.

The suggestions were made after taking into consideration the growing concern within the local community regarding the university’s fee structure.

The letter stated that the current fees are notably higher than what many families in Meghalaya can afford, particularly for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

“While we understand that medical education is resource-intensive and requires substantial investment, the high fee structure may inadvertently place higher education out of reach for many local students, thereby limiting the very purpose of this institution – to serve the people of Meghalaya. The region’s socio-economic conditions present challenges for numerous families who, despite having children with academic potential, are unable to support them through expensive education,” it said while adding “As such, the high fees could act as a significant deterrent, pushing local students to either abandon their dreams of pursuing a medical degree or seek alternatives outside the state. This, in turn, could contribute to the continued migration of talent and a scarcity of local medical professionals in the state.”

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