Bengaluru: Khasi Students’ Union urges Meghalaya government to expedite state house project
Bengaluru: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Bengaluru Unit, has highlighted the persistent challenges faced by students and working professionals from Meghalaya residing in Karnataka’s capital. The Union has urged the Meghalaya government to expedite the establishment of a Meghalaya House in Bengaluru to address these issues.
Speaking to Vartha Bharathi, Donboklang Nongphud, President of the KSU Bengaluru Unit, expressed concern over the prolonged delay. “They are still in the process of establishing the state house in Karnataka. They [the Meghalaya government] said they would update us, but there has been no update yet,” he said.
According to Meghalaya based news portal Syllad, the state government has decided to purchase a building worth ₹20 crore in Bengaluru to serve as a Meghalaya guest house for students and visitors from the state. Cabinet Minister and Government Spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh, following a cabinet meeting on March 26, 2025, informed that the proposed building would house two dormitories, accommodating 50 boys and 50 girls.
Despite this, Nongphud stated that there has been no official communication regarding the procurement of any building.
A report by The Highland Post noted that the Meghalaya government had begun identifying land for a state house in Bengaluru as early as February 2024, with the General Administration Department (GAD) issuing an Expression of Interest (EOI) to purchase land in Bengaluru Urban District. However, no concrete progress has been seen even a year later.
When asked about the Union’s future course of action if the delay continues, Nongphud said they are awaiting updates from the General Secretary. “If we don’t get any information, I will personally meet the minister again along with KSU CEC. This will be my third visit regarding this matter,” he added.
Speaking about the timeline of the demand, Nongphud noted that the former KSU Bengaluru Unit President Ramphang Nongsiej and General Secretary Amous Syiemlieh had approached then BJP state chief Shibun Lyngdoh in 2017, urging him to take up the matter with the then Congress government. “The Congress government had promised to build the house, but nothing happened. Then COVID hit,” he said.
He added that in 2022, he met GAD officials who shared a letter addressed to the Karnataka government, showing interest in establishing a Meghalaya House in the state. However, they were awaiting a response from Karnataka.
“We should have a proper Meghalaya House in Bengaluru. Currently, we, students and volunteers, assist people from our state. If there were an official Meghalaya House, state officials could better handle issues faced by our people in Karnataka,” he said.
At the same time, Iohborlang, a civil engineer residing in Bengaluru, echoed the demand. “Many students from our state live here. A Meghalaya House would assure our parents that help is nearby in case of emergencies,” he said.
Joystar Lyngkhoi, a working professional, added, “People come here for education and jobs. A Meghalaya House would provide affordable accommodation and crucial support.”
“Mostly people face problems travelling and finding places. I urge the government to speed up the process,” Lyngkhoi said.
”It is under-process…”
When Vartha Bharathi approached the General Administration Department of the Meghalaya government, an official stated that the project was “under process” and expected to be completed by the end of the year.
However, when asked whether the government would acquire an existing building or construct a new one, the staffer responded, “I have no idea.”
Regulation of education agents demanded
Nongphud also revealed troubling instances of fraud by education agents in Bengaluru. “Agents lure students with false promises of quality education, accommodation, internships, and placements. But the reality is disappointing,” he said.
"They advertise it as being very good, but in reality, it is not. Mostly, nursing students face such issues here. We have received many complaints about these problems. After arriving here, students often find that the college building is in poor condition, no proper hostel facilities etc..,” he added.
He cited a 2013 case where students were made to sleep in classrooms due to lack of hostels. “Even today, most students from Meghalaya take admission through such agencies. We issued a press release warning students about fraud agents,” he added.
He also mentioned job scams where people from Meghalaya are promised decent salaries and accommodation but are left stranded when the alleged employer vanishes. “One was promised ₹15,000–₹20,000, but after arriving here, the employer stopped responding,” he said.
"Everyone should make at least a small effort to learn Kannada to communicate locally"
Nongphud emphasized the need for people from the Northeast to learn Kannada. “I’ve been here since 6th standard. I speak Kannada well and encourage others from our state to learn it too. It helps with communication and local integration,” he said.
He added that Khasi students who don’t speak Kannada often face difficulties, especially when dealing with the police. “If we don’t speak Kannada, the police don’t take our complaints seriously. Sometimes, we are treated as outsiders,” he explained.
“Many people from other states come here, but according to me everybody should put at least a small effort to learn Kannada to communicate locally,” Don stated.
We face discrimination everytime
"Whenever we look for accommodation in the city, property owners treat us differently and often discriminate against us. Many of them refer to us as ‘Chinese’ simply because we are from the Northeast," said Nongphud.
He further alleged that during the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals from the community were deliberately targeted and subjected to increased hostility.
KSU demands helpline with Khasi language support
The KSU President also urged the Karnataka government to launch a dedicated helpline for Northeast residents, with support in Khasi and other NE languages. “It will be a vital support system during emergencies,” he said.
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Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
