The University of Science and Technology (USTM) in Meghalaya has been accused of ‘flood jihad’ by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Despite this, the university has been recognized by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024, becoming the only private university in the Northeast to achieve this honor. The university’s Chancellor, Mahbubul Hoque, has condemned the accusations and pointed out the timing of the recognition as a sign of success despite the negativity.