Assam cracks down on religious conversions: Private universities face tough new rules

GUWAHATI, March 4: In a major policy shift, the Assam Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Assam Private University Act, 2007, ensuring that private universities adhere to government norms while preventing religious conversions on campus.

Announcing the decision after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized that under the new amendment, private universities must maintain religious neutrality and are strictly prohibited from engaging in religious conversions.

“Any university found involved in religious conversion will face immediate cancellation of its recognition,” Sarma warned.

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

The Cabinet also gave the green light for the establishment of two new universities- EdTech Skill University (Tinsukia district) and Maa Kamakhya National University (Sipajhar, Darrang district).

These universities are part of MoUs signed under the Advantage Assam 2.0 initiative, aimed at boosting education and skill development in the state.

Further, the Cabinet approved the appointment of Vice-Chancellors for newly planned universities in Sivasagar, North Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Kanaklata (Gohpur), JB (Jorhat), Guru Charan, and Bongaigaon.

To position Assam as a leading industrial hub, the government also introduced two new policies- Assam Electronics System Design and Manufacturing Policy, 2025 and Assam Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Policy, 2025.

“These policies aim to streamline ease of doing business and attract investment in the electronics and pharmaceutical sectors,” Sarma said.

Recognizing Assam’s flood and erosion crisis, the Cabinet has sanctioned ₹558 crore for 46 flood and erosion control projects across the state.

In a bid to promote bamboo as a sustainable construction material, the Public Works Department (PWD) has been directed to include at least 5% engineered bamboo materials in all new public buildings.

“This move will help Assam develop a bamboo-based economy while promoting sustainable construction,” Sarma stated.

To empower unemployed engineers and startups, the Cabinet approved a relaxation in PWD’s pre-qualification criteria, allowing Assam’s graduate and diploma engineers to bid for government contracts without strict eligibility conditions.

Additionally, a ₹90 crore skill development initiative will be launched through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) between PAN-IIT Alumni Reach Foundation and the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission Society (ASRLMS).

“Ten high-quality skill centers will be established across Assam, ensuring job placement for youth upon completion of training,” Sarma announced.

In recognition of the Tata Group’s immense contribution to Assam, the Cabinet has decided to rename Jagiroad’s Assam Semiconductor and Electronics Logistics Park (ASELP) as ‘Ratan Tata Electronics City (RTEC)’. This area will include the Tata OSAT Centre, a proposed township, and social infrastructure.

The meeting concluded with a formal resolution expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his guidance and support in organizing the Advantage Assam 2.0 initiative, aimed at boosting the state’s economy and attracting global investment.

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