Assam's Vision for Fully Residential Colleges and Universities
Transforming Educational Institutions in Assam
Dibrugarh, March 3: The Assam government is exploring a gradual shift towards making all colleges and universities in the state fully residential, ensuring complete hostel facilities for both male and female students.
During the inauguration of the Laxmi Narayan Kanoi Administrative Bhawan at Dibru College, funded by the Jyoti Lalita Kanoi Foundation, Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu outlined this initiative.
Dr. Pegu emphasized the importance of a focused academic setting, noting that day scholars often face distractions that can negatively impact their studies.
“To achieve quality education and help students excel, we must create a conducive campus environment,” he stated.
He referenced the Indian Institute of Technology in Guwahati, highlighting that many top institutions operate as fully residential campuses, with IIT Guwahati housing around 8,000 students in its hostels.
According to him, residential systems reduce distractions and enhance academic engagement. He also promised that a dedicated hostel would be built for students of Dibru College.
The minister pointed out that the significance of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) framework may gradually decline.
He encouraged institutions to prioritize measurable outcomes, such as student placements and entrepreneurship, over mere accreditation grades.
“The success of an institution should be evaluated based on how many students secure jobs or start their own businesses, rather than just the number of degrees conferred,” he remarked, urging colleges to enhance placement-focused training.
Pegu also motivated institutions to cultivate confident and articulate students. “Students should not be passive observers; they need to be trained to voice their opinions, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions,” he added.
He expressed appreciation to the Jyoti Lalita Kanoi Foundation and the Kanoi family for their generous donation of approximately Rs 1.5 crore for the administrative building's construction, highlighting the role of community involvement in educational advancement.
“Educational institutions cannot operate solely as government entities; they are community institutions. Alumni and supporters must play a role in their development,” he stated.
The minister also called for concise and effective public programs, suggesting that organizers learn from events led by Narendra Modi and the state government.
He criticized lengthy felicitation ceremonies, advocating for official events to be “short, sharp, and to the point.”
Quoting Mor Geetor Hejar Shrota by Bhupen Hazarika, which describes the audience as the ‘pradhan alankar’ (essential element), Dr. Pegu stressed the need to honor attendees seated off-stage.
He proposed simple, collective gestures of recognition, asserting that a college represents ‘one family’ comprising teachers, staff, and students.
The event also featured speeches from Power Minister Prasanta Phukan, Dibrugarh University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jiten Hazarika, Governing Body chairman Dr. Kalyan Bhuyan, donor Jyoti Prasad Kanoi, and Dibru College principal Dr. Ranjan Changmai.
Notable attendees included Assam Tourism Development Corporation chairman Rituparna Baruah and the city’s Mayor Dr. Saikat Patra.