Assam to Mandate Security Clearance for New Universities Amid Concerns

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced plans to introduce a law making security clearance mandatory for new universities. The move follows concerns about institutions from Kerala looking to establish campuses in Muslim-majority areas of Assam without proper vetting.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced Wednesday the introduction of a new law requiring compulsory security clearance for the establishment of universities in the state. Sarma highlighted that institutions from Kerala are eager to set up universities in Assam's Muslim-majority areas.

Criticizing previous policies by the Congress, Sarma noted that there was no provision for security clearance in past systems. He assured that within 2-3 months, a new act would mandate security clearance for opening nursing, medical, and dental colleges as well.

Elaborating on the issue, Sarma cited suspicious backgrounds of certain Kerala-based universities intending to open campuses in Barak Valley and Barpeta. He also mentioned the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), alleging that it lacks support from the Meghalaya government and has been defended by Assam Congress leaders despite contributing to flash floods in Guwahati.

(With inputs from agencies.)