574 bighas allotted for proposed IIM Guwahati: Assam CM

Guwahati, Aug 18 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced a series of major decisions following a cabinet meeting here, covering higher education, administrative restructuring, mental healthcare, child protection, and youth welfare, signalling the state government’s focus on expanding institutional infrastructure and social services.

Talking to reporters, Sarma said 574 bighas of land would be allotted for the proposed Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Guwahati. The move is expected to strengthen the state’s higher education ecosystem and create new opportunities for students and researchers.

The Chief Minister also announced plans for a new identity for the Assam Secretariat, with 32 departments to function from the Secretariat complex. The restructuring aims to streamline government functioning and bring multiple departments under a more integrated administrative framework.

In another significant announcement, the government will introduce a new regulatory framework for mental healthcare facilities. Sarma said counselling centres with 50 or more people would be required to register compulsorily, to ensure proper monitoring and accountability of such institutions.

The Chief Minister further said the state government would undertake initiatives to ensure greater participation and transparency in developmental activities, with necessary approvals to be obtained from the Cabinet wherever required.

The Assam Cabinet has also approved the Assam State Child Protection Bill, 2026, along with amendments relating to juvenile justice provisions. The proposed changes aim to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for the protection and welfare of children.

Sarma also announced that the state would introduce a new youth-focused framework from September 17, with the Youth and Welfare Department expected to play a larger role in coordinating programmes for young people.

The announcements come as the Assam government seeks to expand educational infrastructure, improve administrative efficiency, and strengthen social‑sector institutions. The proposed IIM Guwahati campus is expected to add to Assam’s growing higher education landscape. In contrast, the proposed reforms in mental healthcare, child protection, and youth welfare could have wider implications for social policy in the state.

–IANS

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