Shillong, June 11: Meghalaya Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has called on the Centre to adopt a more flexible approach in implementing higher education schemes in the Northeast, citing the region’s difficult terrain and infrastructural challenges as major hurdles to timely project execution.

Speaking at the inaugural session of a regional workshop on the implementation of the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), Rymbui stressed that the Centre must consider the unique realities of the Northeast when reviewing projects and releasing funds. The workshop, organised by the Department of Higher Education in collaboration with Meghalaya’s State Higher Education Council and State Project Directorate, brought together officials from all eight northeastern states.

Rymbui emphasised that while the National Education Policy holds transformative potential, states in the region continue to grapple with infrastructure gaps, resource constraints, and project delays caused by geographical conditions. “Even when land is available, the terrain and natural conditions significantly affect infrastructure development. Difficult topography, limited accessibility, connectivity constraints and design challenges often lead to delays in project execution despite the commitment of beneficiary institutions and state governments,” he noted.

The minister reaffirmed Meghalaya’s commitment to strengthening higher education institutions in line with the vision of a developed India by 2047. He appealed to the Ministry of Education to continue adopting a pragmatic and accommodating approach in implementing projects under RUSA and PM-USHA, while emphasising that success depends on active participation from institutions, communities, local bodies, and government departments.

Officials from the Ministry of Education said the workshop aimed to strengthen monitoring, capacity building, and handholding support for states implementing centrally sponsored schemes. Sessions focused on financial management, project monitoring, fund utilisation, and strategies to expedite pending projects. A ministry team is also scheduled to undertake a three-day visit to Meghalaya to review progress under RUSA and PM-USHA.