Guwahati: Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya attended the ‘Higher Education in Assam 2025’ conference held at the Assam Administrative Staff College on Friday.
Organised by Raj Bhavan in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education, the conference saw the participation of Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Vice Chancellors of both public and private universities, Principals of Autonomous colleges, and distinguished academicians.
Acharya delivered a powerful address focusing on the future of higher education in Assam.
He stressed the significance of education as the backbone of societal development, particularly higher education, which lays the foundation for a nation’s intellectual, scientific, and social progress.
The governor emphasised the value of frequent review meetings in improving education standards.
Reflecting on Assam’s historical evolution from ancient Vedic learning to its current status as an educational hub, the governor encouraged the adoption of modern teaching methods, digital platforms, and research-driven solutions to address contemporary challenges.
A major topic of discussion at the conference was the disconnect between academic curricula and industry needs.
Acharya advocated for stronger partnerships between universities and industries to provide students with hands-on experience through internships, vocational training, and practical skill development, which are crucial for enhancing employability and contributing to economic growth.
Additionally, the governor called for inclusive education, ensuring that higher education remains accessible to all students, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds.
He highlighted the need for a greater focus on research, interdisciplinary studies, and international collaborations to bolster Assam’s educational standing globally.
Addressing concerns related to dropout rates, Acharya recommended the implementation of mentorship programs, career counselling, and targeted interventions for high-risk students.
He also discussed the importance of filling vacant teaching positions and improving recruitment and training processes to strengthen faculty capacity.
The governor also advocated for the implementation of the e-SAMARTH platform, which would streamline data management and promote transparency across institutions.
He further suggested the introduction of a common academic calendar and uniform grading system to ensure fairness and consistency in evaluations.
Highlighting Assam’s progress in digital learning, the governor commended the state’s participation in the SWAYAM platform and encouraged further integration of online courses into university curricula.
He also called for increased female participation in technical education to enhance gender inclusivity.
On the issue of student grievances, Acharya underscored the importance of establishing a comprehensive Grievance Redressal Mechanism to ensure fair and transparent handling of concerns related to academics, administration, and personal issues.
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The governor also addressed the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, praising Assam’s alignment with the policy’s vision of holistic, flexible, and multidisciplinary education.
He described NEP 2020 as the roadmap to transforming India into a “Viksit Bharat” and urged collective action to bring this vision to life.
In his concluding remarks, Acharya encouraged educational institutions to promote swachhata (cleanliness) habits among students and integrate programs like the National Service Scheme (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), and Scouts and Guides to instill a sense of responsibility and patriotism.
The conference was attended by senior officials, including Dr. Harbansh Dixit, Advisor to Raj Bhavan Secretariat, Prof. Debabrata Das, Advisor to Higher Education, Government of Assam, S.S. Meenakshi Sundaram, Commissioner & Secretary to the Governor, and Narayan Konwar, Secretary of Higher Education.
