Guwahati: The Assam government introduced the Assam Higher Education Council Bill, 2026, in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, July 28. This move targets better governance across the state's college network. It aligns local academic frameworks with the National Education Policy 2020. The state currently lacks a bridge between universities and the University Grants Commission.
Education Minister Ranoj Pegu wants a new apex body. It will sit between the UGC, the state government, and local universities. The Directorate of Higher Education currently manages only administrative tasks. It ignores academic affairs. "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," said Pegu.
The council will use a two-tier structure. A General Council will include university and college representatives plus a UGC nominee. Senior officials will head the Executive Council. This setup aims to streamline academic and executive coordination throughout the state.
Minister Pegu also addressed the recent floods. They hit schools hard. Nearly 80 per cent of institutions in Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat districts suffered damage. Authorities are awaiting detailed reports from the NDRF and SDRF before starting repairs. The state has secured fresh textbooks for students in Sivasagar and Charaideo. Distribution starts within two days. Officials also identified 1.5 lakh students needing new uniforms. Restoration of buildings will begin once the government finalizes the damage assessments.
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