Guwahati, July 2 (IANS) The Assam government has approved a series of reforms aimed at encouraging greater private participation in higher education by easing regulatory norms for establishing private universities in the state.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the Assam Cabinet has introduced policy changes that will make it easier for reputed private institutions to invest in the higher education sector.

“To harness Assam’s fullest potential we aim to expand access to quality higher education and are keen to partner with reputed private players,” CM Sarma said in a post on X.

According to the Chief Minister, the Cabinet has rationalised the minimum land requirement for setting up private universities, lowered the mandatory endowment fund requirement and simplified norms to promote private investment in higher education.

The government believes the reforms will help create a stronger higher education ecosystem, improve access to quality institutions and expand educational opportunities for students within Assam.

A senior government official said the policy changes are designed to attract credible educational institutions while maintaining academic standards. The easing of entry norms is also expected to reduce procedural hurdles for investors and encourage the establishment of new universities across different regions of the state.

The move aligns with the state’s broader strategy of strengthening human capital and creating a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly changing economy.

Assam has witnessed significant expansion in higher education infrastructure in recent years, with the establishment of new government universities, medical colleges, engineering institutes and specialised educational institutions.

The government now hopes increased private participation will complement public investment and offer students a wider range of academic programmes and research opportunities.

Education experts have long argued that greater private sector involvement, backed by transparent regulation and quality assurance mechanisms, can improve competition, encourage innovation and reduce the outflow of students to institutions outside the state.

The reforms are also expected to support the objectives of the National Education Policy by promoting multidisciplinary education, research, industry collaboration and improved institutional capacity.

The state government has maintained that expanding quality higher education remains a priority as Assam seeks to build a knowledge-based economy and attract greater investments across sectors.

–IANS

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