Assam Assembly Moves to Ensure Secularism in Private Universities

The Assam Assembly passed a bill restricting private universities from engaging in religious conversions and approved the establishment of new universities. Conditions for university operations include secularism, security checks, and periodic inspections, with dissolution as a penalty for non-compliance. The Assembly also clarified the appointment process for vice-chancellors.

The Assam Assembly has taken significant steps to preserve the secular nature of private universities, passing a bill that restricts religious conversions of students, faculty, and staff. The bill, an amendment to the Assam Private Universities Act, emphasizes non-involvement in activities related to religious conversion.

In addition to this amendment, three new university bills were passed to enhance higher education infrastructure across the state. New institutions, such as the EdTech Skills University and Swami Vivekanand University, are set to enrich advanced learning, research, and education in accordance with the New Education Policy.

The Assembly's legislative session also focused on the governance of universities, ensuring accountability through security clearances and inspections. Measures include state government oversight and provisions for dissolving universities that deviate from their operational mandates.

(With inputs from agencies.)