Guwahati, July 30 (APAC Media): The Assam government has enacted the Assam State Higher Education Council (ASHEC) Act, 2026, introducing a comprehensive framework to strengthen the governance, planning and quality of higher education across the state.
The key provisions of the legislation were announced by Education Minister Ranoj Pegu through a post on X.
The new law establishes the Assam State Higher Education Council (ASHEC) as the apex body responsible for guiding the state’s higher education ecosystem.
The council will work closely with universities and colleges to improve academic standards, facilitate policy implementation, and enhance institutional performance.
State Higher Education Plan to Guide Future Growth
A key feature of the Act is the introduction of the State Higher Education Plan (SHEP), which will serve as a long-term roadmap for the development of higher education in Assam.
Focus on Academic Quality and Innovation
The legislation places strong emphasis on improving the quality of teaching and learning in higher education institutions.
It seeks to promote:
- Curriculum and examination reforms.
- Research and innovation.
- Institutional accreditation.
- Greater adoption of technology in higher education.
Collaborative Governance Framework
The newly constituted council will include representatives from the government, vice-chancellors, academicians and regulatory bodies, ensuring broader participation in higher education policy formulation and decision-making.
The Act also aims to strike a balance between institutional autonomy and accountability, allowing universities to function independently while encouraging transparent governance and high academic standards.
Supporting Data-Driven Policy and NEP 2020
The council will be responsible for collecting and analysing higher education data, monitoring institutional performance and supporting national initiatives such as the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE).
It will also assist in planning funding priorities and infrastructure development for higher education institutions across the state.
According to Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, the legislation has been framed in line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates the establishment of strong State Higher Education Councils to improve governance, planning and academic excellence.
