Guwahati: The Assam Assembly has passed a Bill to restrict private universities from involving in activities relating to the religious conversion of students, faculties and other staff.
The House also cleared Bills for setting up three new universities and amendments to Acts pertaining to nine existing varsities.
Education Minister Ranoj Pegu presented the Bills to the House for deliberation and approval, including one seeking amendments to the Assam Private Universities Act, 2007.
The Assam Private Universities Bill, 2025 proposed to impose restrictions on the varsities from involving in any activity relating to the conversion of students, faculties and other staff.
The amendment Bill said the university shall maintain a secular character.
The Bill further proposed a ban on universities offering new technical, medical, paramedical, nursing, and agriculture-related courses, effective April 1, 2025.
Additionally, the amendment mandated a security clearance report from the Assam Home and Political Department, detailing the the antecedents or precedents of the sponsoring body.
The amendment includes a provision for the state government to inspect the university every three years, ensuring compliance with establishment conditions.
Any deviation in compliance with conditions may lead to the dissolution of the university, the amended Act added.
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The House also passed the EdTech Skills University Bill, 2025, which seeks to establish a private varsity for furthering learning and assessment of higher education and research in accordance with the New Education Policy.
According to the state education minister, the proposed university will be located in Tinsukia.
