Mandate and Core Functions of MSHEC
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.