Tura, April 8, 2025: A Freelancer and concerned citizen of Meghalaya, Luckswell M.Sangma has requested to Education Minister Rakkam A.Sangma to bring attention on the issue that continues to affect students and families, particularly those from economically weaker and rural backgrounds in the State.

Sangma expressed his concern regarding the difficulties faced by students during the college admission process, which occurs every academic year.

He also emphasized that some colleges charge high amounts for admission prospectuses and forms. Several academic years, creates an additional financial burden on students even before the actual admission process begins. Many of the students, especially from daily wage-earning families, need to apply to multiple institutions, which further adds to their hardship.

The situation creates barriers to equal access to education, which should be a right for all students regardless of their financial background, added Sangma.

As per the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, including the UGC (Affiliation of Colleges by Universities) Regulations, 2023, all colleges whether government or private are required to ensure transparency, affordability, and fairness in the admission process, he said.

In the guidelines directed that admission forms and prospectuses should be made available on the college websites for easy access and download.

Luckswell Sangma also stressed the Constitutional Provision Article 21A, Right to Education is guaranteed under Article 21A of the Constitution of India. Imposing high charges for application materials contradicts this right and discourages students from pursuing higher education.

In the landmark cases of T.M.A. Pai Foundation vs. State of
Karnataka (2002) and P.A. Inamdar vs. State of Maharashtra (2005), the Supreme Court of India clearly ruled that education is not a business and institutions must not indulge in profiteering. Fee structures must be fair and regulated, said Sangma.

Sangma appealed to fix or regulate the maximum fee that colleges both government and private can charge for admission prospectuses and forms in Meghalaya.

Mandate all colleges to upload their admission prospectuses and forms on their official websites, allowing students to download free of cost or at a minimal online charge. Ensure that universities and affiliated colleges comply with UGC guidelines and take corrective measures wherever violations are found, urged Sangma.

This issue will offer great relief to thousands of aspiring students and help uphold the principles of fair and inclusive education in our state said Sangma.