Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the significant societal changes and the influence of new concepts, citing the impact of technological advancements like mobile communication on global perspectives and daily routines. He pointed out the realization of once inconceivable projects, such as multiple universities and a medical college in Lakhimpur, a university in Gohpur, and an under-river tunnel linking Numaligarh and Gohpur.
Sarma stressed the importance of the newly established universities in fostering an academic renaissance in Assam, urging educational institutions to prioritize innovation. He emphasized the necessity for universities to cultivate startup ecosystems, equip students with cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, and encourage Assam’s youth to proactively shape the future.
During his visit to Lakhimpur district, Sarma inaugurated the new campus of Madhabdev University at Narayanpur, considering it a significant milestone in the university’s expansion. The campus, built on 55 bighas of land at a cost of approximately Rs 57 crore, includes academic blocks, residential quarters, a guest house, and other essential facilities, aiming to enhance the university’s academic environment.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the new infrastructure would bolster the university’s academic ecosystem significantly. Sarma highlighted the necessity of substantial land for the long-term development of a state university into a center of excellence, advising the District Commissioner to acquire an additional 180 bighas of land to expand the existing campus. He also announced a grant of Rs 75 crore for the second phase of Madhabdev University’s infrastructure development.
Reflecting on his initial budget as Finance Minister in 2016, Sarma recalled the announcement of upgrading Hojai College to Rabindranath Thakur University, Bajali College to Bhattadev University, and Madhabdev College to Madhabdev University, initiatives that were once unimaginable beyond Gauhati and Dibrugarh. He highlighted the state government’s dedicated focus on education, with ongoing work on 25 universities and the commencement of academic programs in numerous institutions.
