Assam: AASU protests Govt’s move allowing colleges to collect revenue, rejects student fee hike

All Assam Students' Union (AASU) has opposed any fee burden on students under the new education policy while welcoming the emphasis on mother tongue and tribal languages.

AASU Chief Advisor Dr. Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya stated that while the organization appreciates certain aspects of the policy that benefit students, it does not entirely endorse the government's initiative.

"It is welcome that the government gives importance to mother tongue medium and tribal language. We say the good is good for the students and the bottlenecks in this policy are bad," Dr. Bhattacharya said while visiting the historic Ganesh temple at Lalmati-Duramari in Abhayapuri, Bongaigaon district.

A key concern raised by AASU is the provision allowing colleges to generate revenue independently, which could lead to increased fees for students. "Now the new education policy says that the colleges have mentioned revenue collection on their own, which means that the burden of fees on the students will not be accepted by AASU," Dr. Bhattacharya asserted.

In 2024, Assam government decided to merge colleges or departments with low enrolment and halt teacher recruitment in such cases. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu has directed officials to draft a policy.

In February 2024, the higher education department held a meeting with principals and governing body presidents of 79 colleges with fewer than 500 students.