Meghalaya social activist slams Assam CM for targeting USTM graduates

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 22, 2024

Social activist Cherian Momin on Thursday condemned the Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his alleged targeted actions against the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM).

In a statement, Momin said that the recent escalation of tension between the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has become a matter of grave concern.

“The Chief Minister’s repeated allegations against USTM and his subsequent actions have not only cast a shadow over the institution’s reputation but have also sparked a larger debate about the role of leadership, governance, and the future of education in the region. As a social activist deeply invested in the welfare of our society, I feel compelled to address these issues and to highlight the pragmatic and practical implications of the Chief Minister’s approach,” he said.

He said to provide context, USTM is a premier educational institution located in Meghalaya, recognized for its academic excellence and its contributions to the intellectual and social fabric of the Northeast. It has earned its place among the top 200 universities in India, as ranked by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), and is accredited with an A Grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

These achievements are a testament to the hard work of its students, faculty, and administration, and they speak to the university’s commitment to providing quality education.

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“Despite these accolades, the Chief Minister of Assam has recently taken a stance that can only be described as antagonistic toward USTM. His decision to impose additional examinations on USTM graduates as a prerequisite for qualifying for government jobs in Assam is a clear indication of his intent to undermine the institution. This move, coupled with his inflammatory remarks, has raised serious concerns about the fairness and integrity of his leadership,” he added.

Further, the social activist also slammed the Chief Minister’s statement that USTM graduates will be ineligible for government positions in Assam unless they pass additional exams.

“This is not just an administrative decision—it is a calculated political maneuver. His words, “USTM has challenged me, and I will respond in kind, like a slow poison,” reveal a troubling mindset. The metaphor of “slow poison” is particularly disturbing, as it suggests a deliberate and sustained effort to weaken the institution and its students over time. This is not the language of a leader who seeks to build bridges, foster cooperation, or promote the well-being of his people,” he said.

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“Rather, it is the language of someone who is willing to use his power to settle scores and exert control, regardless of the collateral damage. At the heart of this issue is the Chief Minister’s accusation that USTM has engaged in illegal land clearing on its campus, contributing to severe flooding in Guwahati. These are serious allegations, and if there is evidence to support them, they must be addressed through the appropriate legal channels,” he said while adding “However, the Chief Minister’s approach—targeting the students and the institution as a whole— suggests that this is less about environmental concerns and more about political retribution. By blaming USTM for the flooding, the Chief Minister is shifting the focus away from the broader systemic issues that contribute to such environmental crises. Moreover, his decision to penalize USTM graduates by requiring them to undergo additional exams is a punitive measure that does not address the root cause of the problem.”