Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati hosted the Union Minister of State for Education, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, for an in-depth review meeting of the Central Higher Educational Institutions (CHEIs) in Assam. The event was also attended by esteemed dignitaries including Mr. B.K. Singh, Director, Ministry of Education, Government of India; Mr. Parth Gautam, Private Secretary to Honarable Minister of State; Prof. G. Krishnamoorthy from IIT Guwahati; Dr. Bibhas Modi, ACS; Prof. Sarat Kumar Patra Director, IIIT Guwahati; and Prof. Ferdous Ahmed Barbhuiya, Dean (Administration) of IIIT Guwahati.
During his address, Chief Guest Dr. Sukanta Majumdar emphasized the crucial role of higher education in promoting socio-economic growth in Assam and the Northeast. He said, “Our institutes in the North Eastern states are facing multiple challenges—ranging from student well-being, to financial and infrastructural constraints. It is imperative that we collectively rise to meet these challenges. Additionally, as the world moves toward the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat,’ it is crucial for our institutions to emphasize research and innovation to compete on the global stage. We must continue building on this foundation to remain globally competitive.”
During the meeting Hon’ble Education Minister praised institutions for their contributions to research, innovation, and community outreach, encouraging greater collaboration to align with national education goals. Dr. Majumdar also highlighted the importance of implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) to enhance students’ access to a wider range of courses and ensure smoother educational pathways, fostering more inclusive and flexible learning opportunities for the region’s youth.
The event, held today, 20th September 2024, saw participation from leaders and representatives of key educational institutions in the region, who shared updates on their current progress, achievements, and future plans.
Highlights of the presentations included:
Prof. Anupam Saikia, Dean of the Outreach Education Programme at IIT Guwahati, highlighted the institute’s efforts in educational outreach and innovation. He also presented developments and initiatives from CIT Kokrajhar.
Dr. Biren Das, Registrar of Tezpur University, provided an overview of the university’s key milestones and upcoming initiatives.
Prof. Piyush Pandey, Director of IQAC at Assam University, discussed advancements in microbiology and improvements in academic quality.
Dr. Surajit Panja, Dean of Academics (UG) at IIIT Guwahati, focused on progress in undergraduate education.
Prof. Dilip Kumar Baidya, Director of NIT Silchar, highlighted the institution’s achievements in infrastructure and research.
Bibhas Modi, Secretary, Government of Assam Higher Secondary Education presented for Rashtriya Uchhatar Siksha Abhiyan, Assam.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, reaffirmed the institute’s unwavering commitment to educational excellence and research, underscoring its significant role in both regional and national development. He highlighted the institute’s robust infrastructure, diverse academic programs, and active student community, touching upon key aspects such as admissions, student activities, and the accomplishments of its graduates.
During the meeting between Prof. Devendra Jalihal and Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, several key points were discussed. Prof. Jalihal outlined the student exchange program IIT Guwahati has in collaboration with Japanese universities and provided an update on ongoing research projects. He also highlighted the IIT Guwahati Research Park, a Ministry of Education initiative, and presented a new proposal for establishing a School of Architecture and Planning. Thediscussion also touched upon the promotion of local languages and the critical issue of Assam’s floods. This event hosted by IIT Guwahati served as an important platform for collaborative discussions and strategic planning, strengthening the educational framework of Assam’s leading institutions.
