Did the Assam CM Praise the Centre for Approving the IIM in Guwahati?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Lok Sabha has approved the **IIM Guwahati** bill.
- **Rs 550 crore** has been allocated for its establishment.
- The IIM will be the **second in the Northeast**, joining IIM Shillong.
- It is part of a **Special Development Package** for Assam.
- The approval marks a **historic moment** for education in Assam.
New Delhi, Aug 19 (NationPress) The Lok Sabha has approved the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, paving the way for a new Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Guwahati.
The Central Government has allocated Rs 550 crore for this initiative. This new institution will be the second IIM in the Northeast, complementing IIM Shillong, and will hold the designation of an institution of national importance.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who championed the bill, successfully guided it through the House via a voice vote, amidst vociferous protests from the Opposition concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Following the bill's passage, the session was adjourned.
Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his appreciation for the bill's passage, stating on X, “Today marks a historic moment for Assam as the Lok Sabha endorses the establishment of the State’s inaugural Indian Institute of Management. My sincere thanks to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, Ministers Shri @AmitShah Ji, and Shri @dpradhanbjp Ji for their roles in this achievement.”
The Chief Minister emphasized that with an IIT, AIIMS, and now an IIM, Assam is poised to evolve into a significant education hub in Eastern India.
“On behalf of the people of Assam, NDA MPs from the State have expressed our gratitude to Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji,” he noted.
This new IIM is part of a Special Development Package (SDP) for Assam, established under a Memorandum of Settlement signed by the Centre, the state government, and representatives of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA).
Assam had advocated for such an institute, highlighting its geographical significance and the necessity to stimulate regional growth.
Until a formal Board of Governors is formed for IIM Guwahati, the draft legislation allows the Union government to appoint individuals to perform the Board’s functions.
Currently, 21 IIMs across India are recognized under the IIM Act as institutions of national importance. The addition of Guwahati will further extend the network of premier management schools into the Northeast.