Assam universities asked to prepare institution-specific plans to implement higher education reforms

Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota has directed universities to prepare institution-specific plans with clear priorities, measurable milestones and timelines to implement higher education reforms in the state.

Kota issued the direction during a meeting with university authorities and senior officials of the Higher Education Department to discuss the 28 Action Points from the 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries, held under the theme “Higher Education: Knowledge Economy.”

The meeting focused on strengthening universities and faculty, promoting research and innovation, expanding industry-academia partnerships, increasing skill-based learning, accelerating digital transformation and developing future-ready curricula.

The implementation of reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, was also discussed.

"The discussion examined priorities that will shape the next phase of higher education in Assam - strengthening institutions and faculty, advancing research and innovation, deepening industry-academia partnerships, expanding skill-based learning, accelerating digital transformation, developing future-ready curricula and advancing the reforms envisaged under NEP, 2020," Kota said.

The meeting also reviewed measures to widen participation in higher education, including the prescribed improvement in Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for states where the figure is below the national level.

"Universities were asked to develop institution-specific plans with clear priorities, measurable milestones and timelines," the chief secretary said.

Kota said universities should focus on achieving measurable improvements rather than limiting their efforts to compliance with reform requirements. The plans are expected to address institutional capacity, academic quality and student outcomes.

"The university-level plans will feed into a coordinated state-level approach, with regular review to ensure effective implementation," Kota said.