The College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tura: Challenges and Future Prospects
The College of Architecture and Urban Planning in Tura, located in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya, represents a significant step in expanding higher education opportunities in the state. As an initiative led by the Meghalaya state government, this institution is part of a broader effort to provide quality technical education in architecture and urban planning. However, despite the completion of infrastructure, the college has faced multiple delays in starting its academic sessions, primarily due to regulatory approvals and administrative challenges.
This article explores the establishment of the college, the challenges it has faced, the current status of its approval process, and its potential impact on Meghalaya’s higher education landscape.
Establishment and Funding
The College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tura, was sanctioned as part of the central government’s Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), a nationwide initiative launched in 2013 to improve higher education infrastructure in India. Under this scheme, Meghalaya received funding for the college on a 90:10 basis, with the central government contributing 90% and the state government providing the remaining 10%.
The total sanctioned budget for the college was ₹26 crore, of which ₹23.4 crore has already been released by the central government. The primary objective behind establishing the college is to strengthen Meghalaya’s technical education sector, especially in architecture and urban planning, thereby reducing the need for students to migrate to other states for similar courses.
Infrastructure Completion and AICTE Approval Delays
As of March 2025, the construction of the college infrastructure has been completed. This includes academic buildings, administrative blocks, faculty offices, and other essential facilities needed for a fully functioning institution. However, despite the physical readiness of the college, the state government is yet to receive the necessary approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to commence the academic session.
Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma recently addressed the issue, stating that the application for AICTE approval is scheduled for December 2025. Since AICTE has a specific timeline for processing approvals, the government must wait until the designated period to submit its application. This delay has raised concerns among legislators and students eagerly awaiting the college’s operationalization.
Legislative Concerns and Government Response
During a recent session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma expressed his concerns regarding the delay in starting academic sessions. He stressed that the state government must expedite the approval process to ensure that students do not miss out on educational opportunities. Additionally, he warned that further delays could affect the release of additional central funding and create administrative hurdles in the future.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, in response, acknowledged the delays but attributed them primarily to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and issues related to road connectivity in Tura. He assured legislators that with infrastructure now completed, the focus is on securing AICTE approval and ensuring that the first batch of students can be admitted as soon as possible.
Faculty Recruitment and Academic Plans
In December 2022, the Meghalaya state cabinet approved the creation of approximately 77 faculty and administrative positions for the College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tura. This decision was taken in preparation for the college’s first academic session, initially planned for July 2023. However, due to the aforementioned delays, the appointment process is yet to be finalized.
The proposed faculty hiring plan includes:
- Professors and Associate Professors specializing in various fields of architecture, urban planning, and related disciplines.
- Lecturers and Instructors to provide foundational and advanced knowledge in the curriculum.
- Administrative and Technical Staff to manage the institution’s operations efficiently.
The total annual financial implication of these sanctioned posts is estimated at ₹2.7 crore, which will be borne by the state government.
Significance of the College for Meghalaya
The establishment of the College of Architecture and Urban Planning in Tura is expected to have a transformative impact on Meghalaya’s educational and economic landscape. Some of the key benefits include:
- Expanding Higher Education Opportunities
Meghalaya currently lacks specialized architecture and urban planning colleges, forcing students to move to other states for such programs. This college will help retain local talent within the state. - Promoting Urban Development and Planning Expertise
With rapid urbanization, Meghalaya needs trained professionals in urban planning, sustainable architecture, and infrastructure development. The college will help develop local expertise in these areas. - Job Creation and Economic Growth
The recruitment of faculty and administrative staff will generate employment opportunities, and the presence of students will boost the local economy through housing, food, and transportation services. - Attracting Investment in Education
The success of this institution could encourage further investments in higher education, leading to the establishment of more technical and professional colleges in Meghalaya.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the college holds great promise, several challenges remain:
- AICTE Approval Process
The primary obstacle at present is securing AICTE approval. The state government must ensure that all required documents and infrastructure compliance measures are in place before submitting its application in December 2025. - Retention of Faculty and Staff
Attracting and retaining qualified faculty members in a remote location like Tura may be challenging. Competitive salaries and incentives will be necessary to draw top talent. - Student Enrollment and Awareness
Many students in Meghalaya may not yet be aware of the opportunities provided by this new college. The government should launch awareness campaigns and scholarship programs to encourage enrollments. - Infrastructure Maintenance and Expansion
While the college infrastructure has been completed, maintenance and future expansion will require additional funding. The government must ensure that budget allocations continue for these purposes.
The College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tura, represents a significant milestone in Meghalaya’s higher education sector. Despite delays in its operationalization, the state government is actively working toward obtaining AICTE approval and starting academic sessions as soon as possible.
If successfully implemented, this institution will provide new educational pathways for students, foster expertise in urban planning, and contribute to the economic and infrastructural growth of the region. The coming months will be crucial in determining how soon the college can begin its operations and fulfill its intended role in Meghalaya’s education system.
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