Nongpoh, July 02: Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), Mahbubul Hoque, has expressed deep concern over the Meghalaya Government’s reported decision to reject the university’s request for an interest-free loan of Rs. 200 crores to support the PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital (PIMC).
Hoque made the remarks after the Doctors’ Day celebration held at the university on July 1. He said that although the university authorities have not received any official communication from the State Government regarding the rejection of the financial assistance, they came to know about the decision only through media reports.
He stated that the medical college has been functioning smoothly and has completed three years of academic operations. However, it is currently facing serious financial challenges. Hoque said there had been an understanding with the State Government since 2021 that it would extend financial support to the medical college, considering that Meghalaya had no medical college at the time. He expressed disappointment that, despite those discussions, the government has not provided any financial assistance so far. Nevertheless, he remains hopeful that the State Government will support the institution, particularly in meeting salary expenses for faculty members and other operational requirements.
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The Chancellor further said that the Meghalaya Government has utilised its 50 per cent quota of seats for students from the state at a subsidised fee of only Rs. 4.95 lakh per student. As a result, the medical college is facing significant financial constraints in paying faculty salaries and meeting other essential expenses. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence that the institution would overcome its financial difficulties and continue to benefit medical students from Meghalaya as well as other states.
It may be mentioned that Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla had earlier told the media that the State Government would not be able to provide the Rs. 200-crore interest-free loan sought by USTM for the PA Sangma International Medical College. He said the government has to carefully manage its financial resources and cannot extend such an interest-free loan, particularly to USTM, which is a privately-run university.
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