Centre approves proposal for IIM in Assam's Kamrup district

The Union government has greenlit the establishment of an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Mahabhita, located in Assam's Kamrup district, following a proposal forwarded by the state government.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed on Sunday that the Ministry of Education has granted "in-principle approval" to the proposal and has designated IIM Ahmedabad as the mentoring institute for the upcoming IIM.

Of the 21 IIMs spread across the nation, only one— IIM Shillong— is nestled in the northeastern region.

In May 2022, the state government penned a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan advocating for the establishment of an IIM in Assam, citing that such an initiative "will foster educational growth in neighboring states like Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, etc., and could potentially lead to the emergence of a management hub catering to the needs of local industries."

Furthermore, the letter emphasized that "an IIM will entice prominent corporate entities to invest in human resources and stimulate investments."

The state government has consented to offer 574 bigha land free of charge for the new institute.

The ministry has instructed IIM Ahmedabad to formulate a comprehensive project report for the new institute in consultation with the Union Higher Education Department and the state government.

Sarma expressed his optimism stating, "This will be a transformative move for Assam, positioning the state as an educational nucleus in eastern India, thus aligning with our economic aspirations. I foresee these esteemed institutes collaborating and harnessing the potential of multidisciplinary education," alluding to the presence of IIT, AIIMS, and National Law University in Assam.