Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday, 25 July 2026, paid a warm tribute to outgoing Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, crediting him with advancing the National Education Policy (NEP) and securing key higher-education investments for Assam, including the newly inaugurated Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Guwahati.

Context

Dharmendra Pradhan served as Union Minister of Education and oversaw the rollout of the National Education Policy across the country. As he demits office, tributes from chief ministers across BJP-governed states have underscored his role in steering what the party describes as a cultural and pedagogical reset in Indian education. CM Sarma expressed that it was 'difficult to put into words the gratitude' he feels for the outgoing minister, noting his 'unwavering commitment' despite 'political challenges.'

Sarma specifically highlighted Pradhan's 'genuine affection for Assam' and his readiness to stand with the state 'whenever Assam needed his support.' The tribute reflects the close working relationship between the Assam government and the Union Education Ministry over recent years.

Policy Backdrop

The National Education Policy was approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2020, replacing the 1986 education policy. It introduced multidisciplinary learning, mother-tongue instruction at the foundational level, and a deliberate reduction of what its architects called 'colonial influences' in the curriculum. Pradhan was the minister responsible for translating the policy from a document into institutional reality across states.

In BJP-governed states, the NEP rollout has been accompanied by an emphasis on Indian languages and cultural heritage — themes Sarma echoed in calling Pradhan's work an effort to 'restore the civilisational spirit of Bharat and to decolonise our education system.' The policy's implementation has been uneven nationally, making state-Centre coordination particularly significant in determining outcomes.

Stakeholders and Impact

The inauguration of IIM Guwahati — which Sarma described as a 'proud moment' made possible by Pradhan's 'vision and deep commitment to taking quality higher education to every part of the country' — is part of a broader pattern of central institutions being established in the North-East since 2014. New IIMs, IITs, and other premier institutions have been set up in the region as part of connectivity and regional-development initiatives.

Students and residents of Assam are the most direct beneficiaries. Access to a premier management institution within the state reduces the need for aspirants to relocate to other parts of the country. CM Sarma noted that 'the people of Assam will always remain grateful' for this contribution.

What's Next

Attention now turns to who will be appointed as the next Union Education Minister and whether the momentum on NEP implementation — particularly timelines for higher-education reforms and additional North-East campuses — will be maintained. Assam's own curriculum alignment with NEP provisions will be a measure of how effectively state-Centre coordination continues under new leadership.

Sarma expressed confidence that Pradhan would 'continue to work with the same sincerity and commitment for our nation' in whatever role he serves next, signalling that the outgoing minister is expected to remain active in public life.