Shillong, June 5: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma clarified on Wednesday that any final decision on contentious demands—including the removal of the Vice-Chancellor—rests solely with the Central government.

“The point is that I am not trying to get into it. It is not proper for me to get into the entire situation. It is something a lot of people have deep sentiments about, and I don’t want to be coming into that right now because, even from a proper administrative point of view, it is not in our jurisdiction per se. So it is the Central government and NEHU that have to take a call—most importantly, the Central government,” the Chief Minister said.

He informed that the state government has played a facilitating role in addressing the concerns raised by different groups.

“What is important is that we have expressed our opinion and we have shown what we thought would be a way forward. We have shared detailed concerns—both sides or three sides—and tried to take this forward. And I am happy that we are being able to adjust and move forward without having to compromise on any major issue, while keeping the interests of the students. All those issues also which you mentioned are being discussed, but it would be wrong for me to say anything about it as I am not the proper authority to talk about it,” he added, in response to a question on whether the Centre had communicated anything regarding the demand for the VC’s removal.

Reaffirming that student welfare remains paramount, Sangma said, “The interest of the students is now taking priority. The different issues—whether it is the Academic Council or Executive Council—at least the meetings are now being held and decisions are being taken.”

Reflecting on the nature of the conflict, he remarked, “In this entire situation, what was very disturbing was that it was becoming the issue of individuals rather than the interest of the students. But I think in the recent past, I am happy to see—everybody has put the students’ interest first and moved forward. Not having to compromise on anything, but at least realising that students’ benefit and overall interest cannot be compromised.”

The Chief Minister also thanked the Centre for its timely intervention. “I would like to thank the Central government and the Union Minister for intervening at the right time. I had a couple of meetings at different levels, but overall, as I said, the working kind of process has been moving forward. The Academic Council took place, which has now been approved, the Executive Council took place, and we have seen the administrative system taking shape.”

He reiterated that the state government’s role is to facilitate the process. “I have always mentioned from day one that we are there to facilitate the process, to bring it into coordination. But ultimately, it is NEHU and the Central government that have to really work on resolving the issues at the prominent level. And whatever support is required from our side, we are doing our best.”

Acknowledging that concerns still exist, Sangma emphasised that efforts are underway on the ground. “We are seeing some kind of normalcy in terms of administrative work. I am not saying the situation is perfect—there are always concerns and stands of different groups. I am not commenting on any of that; it is related to their concerns and stance. For me, it is the students that I am concerned with—indirectly or directly, NEHU has 70,000 students who were impacted. If you look at all the colleges affiliated with them, it is a large number.”

“If administratively NEHU does not move forward, it affects the lives of the students. Therefore, that is my main concern—and things are moving forward,” the Chief Minister concluded.

Also Read: 80 million USD project on Eco Tourism, sustainable development to be implemented in Meghalaya

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