Assam tightens regulations on private universities, mandates religious neutrality

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 4, 2025

In a significant policy update, the Assam Cabinet has approved amendments to the Assam Private University Act, 2007, ensuring that private universities adhere to state regulations and uphold religious neutrality.

Addressing a press conference after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that under the revised law, private universities must not engage in religious conversions, and failure to comply will result in immediate cancellation of their recognition.

“Universities must remain neutral in religious matters. Any institution found violating this rule will face strict action,” Sarma warned.

Additionally, national security clearance from the state home and political department will now be mandatory for setting up private universities in Assam.

The Cabinet has approved the establishment of two new universities: EdTech Skill University (Tinsukia district) and Maa Kamakhya National University (Sipajhar, Darrang district).

These institutions are part of the Advantage Assam 2.0 initiative, aimed at expanding education and skill development. Additionally, the Cabinet finalized Vice-Chancellor appointments for upcoming universities in Sivasagar, North Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Kanaklata (Gohpur), JB (Jorhat), Guru Charan, and Bongaigaon.

To boost Assam’s industrial landscape, the government introduced two new policies – the Assam Electronics System Design and Manufacturing Policy, 2025 and the Assam Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Policy, 2025.

These initiatives will simplify business regulations and attract investments in electronics and pharmaceuticals.

Acknowledging Assam’s flood and erosion challenges, the Cabinet has sanctioned Rs 558 crore for 46 flood management projects across the state.

Additionally, to promote bamboo-based construction, the Public Works Department (PWD) has been directed to use at least 5% bamboo materials in new public buildings, reinforcing Assam’s push toward sustainable development.

“This will strengthen Assam’s bamboo industry while promoting eco-friendly construction,” Sarma also said.

To support local startups and unemployed engineers, the Cabinet has relaxed PWD’s pre-qualification criteria, enabling Assam’s graduate and diploma engineers to bid for government contracts without stringent conditions.

Additionally, a Rs 90 crore skill development project will be launched through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in partnership with PAN-IIT Alumni Reach Foundation and Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission Society (ASRLMS).

“Ten skill centres will be set up to provide top-tier vocational training, ensuring job placements for graduates,” Sarma further said.

In recognition of Tata Group’s contributions to Assam, the Cabinet has renamed Jagiroad’s Assam Semiconductor and Electronics Logistics Park (ASELP) as ‘Ratan Tata Electronics City (RTEC)’. The area will include the Tata OSAT Centre, a planned township, and supporting infrastructure.

The session concluded with the Cabinet passing a formal resolution thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership and support in organizing Advantage Assam 2.0, a key initiative for economic growth and investment promotion.