In a significant development for higher education in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday that the central government has approved the establishment of a new Indian Institute of Management (IIM) near Guwahati. The forthcoming IIM will be situated at Marabhita in the Kamrup district and will receive mentorship from the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad. Calling it a “special gift for the people of Assam,” CM Sarma emphasized the importance of this development. Guwahati will now join a select group of cities hosting these elite business schools. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Education Ministry for their support of this initiative.
“Over the last 18 months, we presented a strong case to the Hon’ble Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and the Education Ministry,” said CM Sarma. “Assam offered premier land and logistical support. Now, IIM Ahmedabad will mentor the upcoming IIM in Guwahati,” he added, noting that the approval was the result of concerted efforts and strategic planning. CM Sarma also took to Twitter to share the news and highlight the efforts behind this achievement.The Assam Chief Minister praised the efficient transformation from proposal to execution, attributing it to the “power of the Double Engine government,” a term referring to the synergy between state and central governments in accelerating development projects.
“This will be a game-changer for Assam, making the state an education hub in Eastern India and also helping fulfill our economic aspirations. I envisage these premier institutes collaborating among themselves, and industry will unleash the power of multidisciplinary education,” CM Sarma stated. This underscores the broader vision for educational and economic growth in the region. The official letter shared by Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed central approval based on a committee report. It stated: “Based on the report of the committee, the approval of the Hon’ble Minister of Education is conveyed for the following: (i) in-principle approval of the proposal for the establishment of a new IIM at Marabhita in Kamrup District near Guwahati, Assam. (ii) Approval that IIM Ahmedabad shall be the Mentor Institute for the establishment of the proposed new IIM at Kamrup.”
