Mandate and Core Functions

The Meghalaya State Higher Education Council Act, 2018, provides for the establishment of the State Higher Education Council as a collective of government, universities, colleges, academics, and experts. Its objective is to forge a synergistic relationship among these stakeholders by operating as an intermediary between State Government institutions and apex regulatory bodies.

A. General Functions

  • Advising government and institutions.
  • Coordinating roles of stakeholders.
  • Developing plans and monitoring progress.
  • Promoting cooperation among institutions.
  • Ensuring accountability and preparing Reports.

C. Advisory Functions

  • Recommending norms for setting up new institutions.
  • Suggesting changes in university statutes.
  • Advising on funding and other academic matters.

B. Academic Functions

  • Promoting research and curriculum innovation.
  • Improving examination standards.
  • Facilitating teacher training and mobility.
  • Regulating admissions and appointments.
  • Encouraging extracurricular activities.

D. Statutory Powers

  • Preparing perspective plans.
  • Guiding grant disbursement.
  • Issuing directions to Executive Committee.
  • Framing implementation guidelines.

Structure, Governance, and Statutory Provisions

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Chairman: Presides over meetings and supervises operations.
  • Vice-Chairman: Acts in Chairman’s absence, performs prescribed duties.
  • Member Secretary: Coordinates Council’s functioning.

Term and Meetings

  • Council Term: 5 years (extendable up to 6 months).
  • Meeting Frequency: At least once a year.
  • Quorum: 1/3rd of members, decisions by simple majority.

Removal and Vacancy

  • Removal for misconduct or incompetence after due process.
  • Casual vacancies filled by the Government for the remainder term.

Executive Committee

  • Composition: 5 members including the Chief Secretary (Chairman).
  • Powers:
    • Can take policy decisions (subject to Council’s approval).
    • Manage expenses and present audit Reports.

Government Directions

  • Government may direct universities to implement reforms.
  • Universities are obliged to comply and report back.

Finance and Audit

  • Funds provided by State/Central Governments and UGC.
  • Annual audit is mandatory and to be tabled in Assembly.
  • Council must submit a yearly activity report to the Government.

Legal and Administrative Provisions

  • Protection from legal action for acts done in good faith.
  • Staff may be recruited from the market or from government departments.
  • Members and staff are deemed public servants.
  • Council and Government have rule-making powers.
  • Government may issue orders to remove difficulties within 2 years of commencement.