Shillong, Feb 19: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has refuted the statements made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswas Sarma on February 15 labelling the university as fraudulent and added that it is open for any probe.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the University said the USTM with all statutory credentials has been contributing immensely to higher education, research, and social welfare since its inception in 2011. Such statements not just defame the university but also question the credibility of the highest statutory and accreditation bodies of the Government of India, which has recognised the quality and educational standard of the university over the years.
USTM credentials have already been established by the accreditation of ‘A’ Grade by NAAC in the very first cycle of assessment, and also being the only private university in the North East India to be ranked among the top 200 universities of the country by NIRF, Ministry of Education, Government of India, for the last three consecutive years. The university has been ranked 52 in the Nature Index, which is an indicator of the quality of research and scientific output. Also, the Meghalaya Private University Regulatory Board (MPURB) is constantly reviewing the quality of education and other parameters of USTM. “These achievements reflect our commitment to academic excellence and are evidence of the rigorous standards maintained by the university”, it said.
The teaching-learning and evaluation are conducted strictly as per the guidelines of UGC and USTM regulations. The PhD programme is conducted with firm adherence to UGC regulations as revised from time to time and follows a rigorous and transparent research process, often exceeding the standards set by premier institutions. The research process involves multiple levels of scrutiny, quality assurance and every level of evaluation is done in presence of an external expert from premier institutions like IIT Guwahati, Tezpur University, North-Eastern Hill University, AMU, JNU, Delhi University, Gauhati University and other premier institutions of the country. Till date, 111 PhDs have been awarded under the guidance of Faculty members of USTM with sound research credentials. USTM holds 140 patents which have already been published/granted and 1085 research papers published in reputed national and international journals in recent years.
The university has produced 350+ UGC NET & GATE-qualified students. The students have received multiple prestigious fellowships and awards and have been selected for further higher studies in various institutions of excellence like IISC Bangalore, IITS, NITS, Central Universities, etc.
The university has organized numerous prestigious national and international events, including the National Conference of Vice Chancellors 2023 for the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi where more than 400 Vice Chancellors and Directors of higher educational institutions attended.
“Our reputation is further evidenced by the visits of two Former Presidents of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and Shri Ram Nath Kovind, as well as the Chairpersons of UGC, UPSC, NAAC, Cabinet Ministers, and Chief Ministers of various states”, the university said.
“We categorically reject the unfounded accusations against USTM. Such statements not only tarnish the image of a credible educational institution but also demoralizes thousands of students, faculty members, and researchers striving for excellence”, it said.
The university urged the chief minister to engage in a fact-based discourse, acknowledging the contributions made by USTM towards higher education. USTM remains steadfast in its mission to serve the nation through quality education, research, and social empowerment. “Further, we openly welcome any enquiry or investigation by any authority for cross-verification of facts and figures”, the University said.
The courses are recognized by UGC and approved by various statutory bodies of Government of India, like B. Tech and MBA courses by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), law courses by the Bar Council of India (BCI), Pharmacy courses by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), B.Ed course by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), BAMS course by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and MBBS course by the National Medical Commission (NMC), New Delhi.
Research and Innovations have always been the prime focus of USTM since its inception. “The research proposals of our faculty members have been funded by Govt agencies which include Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), ICSSR, ICAR, and other ministries, including Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), further solidifying our credibility and contribution to national development.to carry out cutting-edge research in various emerging areas, which has established an individualistic identity in all R&D and statutory bodies of the Government of India.”, it said.
As many as 74 Govt funded research projects have already been completed successfully while 14 funded research projects are ongoing and several others in the process of review. Innovative research by our faculty and researchers targeting societal need has drawn the attention of global communities. Our faculty members have contributed immensely in publishing high quality research papers in national and international journals as well. One of our esteemed faculty members has been recognized among the World’s Top 2% scientists by Stanford University.
USTM is the first private university to have implemented National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 from the very beginning. Six students of USTM were nominated by UGC to act as ambassadors for academic reforms in transforming higher education in India, under NEP SAARTHI initiative of UGC, Ministry of Education, India. USTM Vice Chancellor, Prof. GD Sharma has been a distinguished member of the zonal committee for the eastern zone, nominated by UGC to facilitate the central universities to prepare the roadmap for implementing NEP 2020.
USTM is proud of its students who have excelled in various fields related to academics, research, and sports. Two students have represented the university in the Vikshit Bharat prestigious platform “My Bharat National Championship”, one represented the state of Assam and other the state of Meghalaya. Four USTM students have also participated in the “National Youth Parliament Competition”, and one them was declared as the Best Parliamentarian in Budget Dialogues.
The university is dedicated to educational empowerment, particularly for rural and underprivileged communities. “Over 20% of our students come from underprivileged backgrounds and receive free education, and 57% of our student population comprises female students, promoting the cause of girl child education”, it said.
USTM has received many prestigious awards including “Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service -2022” to Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor, USTM. Recently, Prof. G.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor of USTM and former President of the Association of Indian Universities, received “Outstanding Vice Chancellor in India” Award by the Indian Education Network for his transformative contributions to higher education.
