Photo Courtesy: nenews
Guwahati: The Assam Legislative Assembly passed the Assam Higher Education Council Bill, 2026, on Wednesday. The move creates an apex body tasked with streamlining planning, coordination, and quality standards across state institutions. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu introduced the legislation, framing it as a direct alignment with the National Education Policy 2020. It fills a gap in state oversight, acting as a link between the University Grants Commission, the state government, and local universities.
“The Assam Higher Education Council Bill, 2026, is in conformity with NEP 2020. We felt the need for an intermediary apex body that can coordinate among the UGC, the government and the universities,” Pegu said. Currently, the Directorate of Higher Education focuses on administration rather than academic affairs. The new structure features a two-tier system consisting of a General Council and an Executive Council. The latter will see senior government officials take the lead, while the General Council will draw members from colleges, universities, and a UGC nominee.
This council will draft the State Higher Education Plan to guide development, manage curriculum reforms, and push for innovation. It promises to keep universities autonomous while enforcing accountability. The state expects this synergy to improve research and learning opportunities.
Pegu also addressed the recent flood crisis. The floods hit 80 percent of schools in Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat districts. The state is scrambling to replace supplies. Students in Sivasagar and Charaideo will get new textbooks in two days. Nearly 1.5 lakh students need new uniforms. Repairs on damaged school buildings depend on reports from the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force. Once these assessments finish, the School Education Department will start renovations.
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