Comparative Competitiveness and Quality Education must be Focus of Educational Institutions: Assam Education Minister

11th Aug, 2018 131

USTM paid back entire fee receipts to 27 NET qualified students

August 11, 2018: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya has celebrated the success of 27 NET/ SLET/GATE qualified students of USTM for 2018 by giving back their entire course fees along with admission fees as per its ‘Pay Back Policy’ on the occasion of the University’s Orientation Programme today at the University campus at 9th Mile, Ri Bhoi. Assam Education Minister Siddhartha Bhattacharya was the Chief Guest in the Orientation Programme and handed over the rewards to the brilliant students in the presence of more than 2000 newly admitted students at USTM. Prof. Mihir Kanti Chaudhuri, former Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University and Adviser (Education), Government of Assam and M Hoque, Chancellor of USTM addressed the participants apart from other dignitaries.

Addressing the Orientation Programme, the Education Minister said, “For the first time I have seen that a private university is returning not only course fees, but also admission fees to the students for their academic success. This is unique step which I have not seen in any government or private institution in the region or the country”. Appreciating the efforts of the founding Chancellor of USTM, Shri Bhattacharya said that comparative competitiveness among the students, faculty and other stakeholders is necessary to achieve excellence for an educational institution. USTM has displayed an exemplary gesture, he added.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of USTM said, “We are following the footsteps of world class institutions as well as the institutes of excellence in our country. We are committed to our assurance that no brilliant student should be deprived of pursuing higher education due to their financial incapability.”

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Mihir Kanti Chaudhuri, former Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University and Adviser (Education), Government of Assam said, “There is no difference between government and private institutions. At the end of the day, quality of manpower matters.” Terming USTM as a place of national integration due to its cosmopolitan student community, Prof Chaudhuri said that students must be encouraged by institutions to work hard and achieve academic success. The dignitaries also released two books on “Management, Commerce & Economics” written by teachers at USTM.

The programme was presided over by Prof Nirmal Kr Chaudhury, former Vice Chancellor, Gauhati University and Principal Advisor, USTM. Dr PK Goswami, Vice Chancellor, USTM also addressed the gathering with encouraging words. The Orientation programme ended with the vote of thanks by Prof Alaka Sarma, Pro Vice Chancellor of USTM.