Assam’s education sector is set for major changes after the State Assembly approved six significant bills on Saturday, November 29. The opposition parties staged a walkout during the session, leaving the government to push the bills forward.
Major Amendment Bills Cleared
The Assembly approved four major amendment bills:
- Assam Non-Governmental Educational Institutions (Regulation of Fees) (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Assam Education (Provincialisation of Teachers and Re-organisation of Educational Institutions) (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Assam Elementary and Secondary School Teachers (Regulation of Posting and Transfer) (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Assam Education (Provincialisation of Services of Non-teaching Staff of Venture Educational Institutions) (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Education Minister Ranoj Pegu introduced the bills and led a debate that lasted over four hours. During the discussion, Congress, CPI(M), and Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi raised objections. They claimed the Assembly ignored all their proposed amendments and asked the government to allow voting. However, the Speaker did not respond, which led the opposition to walk out in protest.
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Two University Bills Also Passed
In addition, the House passed two university-related bills through a voice vote:
- Azim Premji University Bill, 2025
- North Eastern Regional Institute of Management (NERIM) University Bill, 2025
Minister Pegu introduced these bills on the final day of the Winter Session. The government said the measures would expand higher education opportunities and strengthen regional university frameworks.
Government Highlights Education Reforms
After the bills passed, Ranoj Pegu explained that the legislation would streamline fee structures, reorganise institutions, and improve management of teaching and non-teaching staff. He also mentioned other bills, including the Rabindranath Tagore University (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Su-Ka-Pha University Bill, 2025, which aim to modernise Assam’s education system.
Pegu said, “These bills represent our commitment to strengthening both school and higher education in Assam.”
Opposition Calls for More Scrutiny
Despite the government’s claims, the opposition criticised the fast-tracked process. They argued that the amendments affect teachers, staff, and private institutions and require thorough review. They also urged the government to provide more time for debate, saying that skipping detailed scrutiny undermines democratic processes.
A New Phase in Assam’s Education Policy
With the six bills now in effect, Assam prepares for a comprehensive overhaul of its education system. The legislation covers fee regulation, teacher postings, provincialisation of staff, and higher education expansion.
Although the government believes these reforms will strengthen the system, the opposition has vowed to continue raising concerns in future sessions, promising more debate on implementation and transparency.
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