MPYC demands Govt to upgrade Tura Polytechnic, introduction of Science stream in Mendipathar college

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 7, 2025

Meghalaya Pradesh Youth Congress (MPYC) has demanded the state government for the up-gradation and expansion of Tura Polytechnic by introducing Civil, mechanical, electrical and relevant engineering departments and the inclusion of a Science Stream in Mendipathar College in North Garo Hills.

“I humbly urge you to prove the up-gradation of Tura Polytechnic with allocation of funds, recruitment of technical staff, and establishment of new engineering departments and sanction the introduction of Science stream at Mendipathar College through academic restructuring and necessary financial support,” MPYC president Timjim K Momin said in a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday.

He said these proposed interventions are not just matters of infrastructural development, but represent an intellectual and moral investment in the future of Meghalaya’s youth, especially from marginalized, rural, and economically disadvantaged areas.

Momin also stated that as per the recently declared 2025 SSLC results, the Garo Hills region recorded a notable increase in the pass percentage. 

“A total of 21,856 students passed from the region this year, demonstrating the strong academic potential and determination of our youth. Unfortunately, the unavailability of adequate higher educational institutions—especially those offering science and technical streams—leaves a majority of these students with limited options for further study. This underlines an urgent need to expand the academic infrastructure in Garo Hills. This upward trend reflects the growing academic potential and dedication of students from the region. However, without proper follow-up in the form of local higher education infrastructure—especially in technical and science disciplines—this potential remains underutilized,” he added.

Momin further pointed out that the Tura Polytechnic was established in 2003 and it was envisioned as a key institution to deliver technical education to students in the Garo Hills and neighbouring 

regions. Despite its strategic importance and increasing demand over the years, the institution continues to operate with a limited range of courses.

“At a time when technical education is becoming increasingly critical for self-reliance, industrial development, and youth employment, the absence of key departments such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Other relevant Engineering department has severely constrained the potential of the institution—and more importantly, the aspirations of its students”.

He said in light of the rising SSLC pass percentage and a clear surge in student interest in technical fields, the need to equip Tura Polytechnic with more comprehensive course offerings becomes undeniable.

Technical education is not merely an academic path—it is a direct pipeline to jobs, entrepreneurship, innovation, and regional development. The lack of local access forces hundreds of capable students to either migrate at great cost or abandon their ambitions altogether.

“Upgrading Tura Polytechnic to include these core engineering streams would not only ensure parity with better-equipped institutions like Shillong and Jowai Polytechnics, but it would also create a skilled workforce that can contribute directly to Meghalaya’s development—from infrastructure and electrification to rural water supply and construction projects,” he further added.

Meanwhile, the youth president also requested the CM to consider these actions as non-political developmental necessities, rooted in constitutional values of equality, dignity, and opportunity.

“These reforms align with both the National Education Policy 2020 and the Government of Meghalaya’s vision for a skilled, educated, and empowered youth population. The proposed up-gradations are not merely academic—they are transformative and generational in nature.”