Inaugurating the interim campus of the University of Technology and Management (UTM) here on Tuesday, the governor observed that over the last five-and-half years, the state government had passed legislations establishing eleven universities, which had ten private ones. However, he rued the fact that only one of these was functioning to "some level of satisfaction".
"We want reputed corporate entities to establish educational institutions," he said expressing his worries about poor performance of the private institutes established in recent times.
Stating that education should not be commercialized as 90 per cent of the people in the country were left out of the ambit of higher education, Mooshahary said, "Commerce should not be given a narrow interpretation". He maintained that commerce too could be 'dignified' as he said education should not be opened up for the private sectors only for making profits.
Stating that learning was not merely for earning, he emphasized on "building of conscience" in the minds of students to make them responsible citizens.
In her speech, Ampareen Lyngdoh, state minister for housing, municipal administration, science and technology and urban affairs, underscored that the newly-established university must deliver on its promises made to people. "Several universities, institutionalized in the state, have fallen short of expectations," she said.
Chancellor Sanjay Kaul spoke on the "vision and mission" with which the university is envisaging to move ahead in the chosen domains. He added that the concept of this university was about 'lifestyle' and it was technology-driven with focus on employability.
Pro-VC SN Suri said the university's journey so far has been short but significant. "The university will introduce latest academic features and will start with a few programs in the first academic session, commencing in July 2012," Suri added.
"The university aims at serving the youth from the northeastern states and envisages expanding opportunities in professional and technical education for students, and equipping them with employability that will help them acquire jobs," he said.
The Hydrocarbons Education & Research Society (HERS) is the sponsor of the new varsity.
In its corporate social sector endeavor, the new varsity has 'adopted' the Laitumkhrah Bengali Secondary School.