SHILLONG, 5 June 2025: In a bold push toward equitable and affordable education, the Meghalaya government is planning a systematic overhaul of its higher education financing model by phasing out the long-standing deficit system in colleges. This move aims to bring deficit institutions under full government control, drastically reduce tuition fees for students, and streamline the administrative classification of teachers across the state.
Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma said that the government is preparing to initiate consultations with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. “If this process goes smoothly, students struggling with high fees will benefit greatly. The fees will come down significantly, and teachers will be fully employed under government administration,” he stated.
One of the most significant impacts of the proposed reform would be the sharp reduction in fees. Sangma highlighted that the current semester fee for a BA course at Shillong College, which stands at ₹66,230, could come down to just ₹15,000. “Similarly, the fees in other institutions operating under the deficit system will be lowered to make education more accessible,” he added.
The education minister further emphasized that this move is not only about financial relief but also structural rationalization. “From the existing 13 categories of teachers in the state, the government plans to streamline them into two or three categories — grant-in-aid government, government, and privately run,” he explained.
Sangma noted that initial responses from institutions have been largely positive. “Most of the institutions are willing to embrace this change. However, we will proceed only after thorough consultations with all institutions. Those unwilling to join will be treated as independent and will have to manage their funds through the Meghalaya Education Grant,” he said.
The financial strain the current model places on the state is also under scrutiny. Sangma revealed that out of 75 colleges in Meghalaya, over 40 receive state funding for sanctioned posts. He cited examples to highlight the fiscal load: St. Anthony’s College receives ₹1.8 crore monthly, amounting to ₹21.6 crore annually; Shillong College gets ₹4.3 crore quarterly (₹1.075 crore monthly); St. Edmund’s College draws ₹1.3 crore per month; Lady Keane College receives ₹4 crore quarterly (₹12 crore yearly); and St. Mary’s College gets ₹3.57 crore quarterly, translating to ₹1.19 crore per month.
This comprehensive education reform initiative aims to relieve students of excessive financial burden, ensure greater accountability in institutional management, and create a more standardized system for teachers across Meghalaya.
