Assam Passes New Law to Set Up Higher Education Council, Aiming for Better Governance
The Assam government has passed the Assam State Higher Education Council (ASHEC) Act, 2026, introducing a new framework intended to improve planning, governance, and overall quality of higher education in the state. The key features were shared by Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu on social media platform X.
The Act establishes the Assam State Higher Education Council (ASHEC), which will serve as the state's apex body for higher education. The council is expected to work with universities and colleges to enhance academic standards, support policy implementation, and strengthen institutional performance.
A significant feature of the law is the introduction of the State Higher Education Plan (SHEP), which will guide long-term development by helping the government make data-driven decisions based on the needs of educational institutions.
The legislation also focuses on improving teaching and learning quality, encouraging curriculum and examination reforms, promoting research and innovation, supporting accreditation, and increasing the use of technology in higher education.
Another key aspect is collaborative decision-making. The council will include representatives from the government, vice-chancellors, academicians, and regulatory bodies, allowing diverse stakeholders to participate in shaping higher education policies.
The Act aims to balance institutional autonomy with accountability. While universities will continue to function independently, they will be expected to follow transparent governance practices and maintain academic quality.
The council will also collect and analyse higher education data, monitor institutional performance, and support national initiatives such as the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE). It is expected to improve planning for funding and infrastructure development across state higher education institutions.
According to Minister Pegu, the legislation aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recommends establishing a strong State Higher Education Council in every state to improve governance, planning, and academic excellence.
