In a significant boost to higher education in Northeast India, Assam is set to establish a new Indian Institute of Management (IIM), which the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad will mentor. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, a staunch advocate for the project, confirmed the central government’s approval, heralding it as a transformative step for Assam’s educational landscape.
The announcement follows a concerted effort by the Chief Minister, who, during his tenure as Education Minister in the previous Congress government, persistently campaigned for an IIM in Guwahati. With this development, Assam will join the ranks of select cities that boast an array of premier institutions, including an IIT, AIIMS, and a National Law University.
“As evident from the swift transition from idea to execution, this initiative illustrates the power of effective governance,” remarked Chief Minister Sarma. He expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for their pivotal roles in realising this vision.
The Chief Minister took to social media to share the news, stating, “Following our request in 2023, PM Modi has gifted Assam with its very own IIM, positioning Guwahati as a critical educational hub in Eastern India.” He highlighted that the decision came after 18 months of rigorous presentations and negotiations with the central government, which resulted in the allocation of prime land and logistical support for the upcoming institution.
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The new IIM is expected to act as a catalyst for economic and educational growth in the region. “This institution will not only cater to the local demand for top-tier management education but also attract elite corporate organisations to invest in human talent,” added Sarma. He envisions a collaborative environment where these premier institutes and the industry will work together to foster multidisciplinary education.
In his correspondence with Prime Minister Modi, dated April 19, 2023, Sarma outlined Assam’s strategic importance as a hub for various industrial sectors and its proximity to South Asian countries, which enhances its potential to become a centre of modern management education.
The State Government has committed to providing a plot of land free from all encumbrances, equipped with excellent infrastructure and industrial linkages, conveniently located within an hour’s distance from the airport and well-connected by train. Four potential sites have been identified, and the final selection process is underway.
In a letter to the Director of IIM Ahmedabad, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education confirmed, “The proposal for the establishment of a new IIM in the State of Assam is under examination. The State Government has agreed to provide the required land free of cost.”
This new IIM in Assam is poised to enhance the region’s educational fabric and bring it to the forefront of management education nationally and internationally.
