Assam Cabinet Makes Security Clearance Mandatory for New Private Universities

The Assam Cabinet has decided that all new private universities in the state must obtain a “security clearance” from the state government and operate in a “secular” manner. This decision follows recent controversies surrounding the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) and its chancellor, Mahbubul Hoque.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening. Sarma’s criticism of USTM and Hoque, who was arrested by Assam Police in February for alleged malpractice during CBSE exams, led to the move.

The Assam government will now amend the Assam Private Universities Act of 2007, requiring national security clearance from the state’s Home and Political Department for setting up private universities. CM Sarma emphasized that merely having land and infrastructure would no longer suffice. He also stated that universities must remain secular in their operations, with strict penalties, including immediate cancellation of registration, if they are found to be involved in conversion activities.