Guwahati (Assam) [India], March 22 (HBTV): The Assam government on Friday tabled the Assam Coaching Institutes (Control and Regulation) Bill, 2025, in the state Assembly to ensure strict adherence to rules, bring transparency in private coaching institutes, and support the overall welfare of students.

Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu tabled the bill in the Assembly, aiming to regulate private coaching centres to ensure quality education for aspirants of competitive exams.

The key provisions of the bill include: Mandatory registration: Existing and new institutes must register within a stipulated time before operating.

Clear definitions: Terms such as 'coaching institute,' 'tutor,' and 'registration' are clearly defined.

Application details: Institutes must submit information on curriculum, schedule, fees, infrastructure, and staff qualifications.

Operational norms: Institutes must follow safety standards, maintain qualified staff, ensure adequate student space, and avoid false claims.

Code of conduct: Transparency in fees and student outcomes is required, along with mandatory mental health workshops and counselling.

Inclusivity: Institutes must support marginalised groups and provide disability-friendly facilities.

Monitoring: District authorities will inspect and enforce compliance, with penalties for violations.

Appeals: An appellate body will handle registration and compliance disputes.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, 'The bill will ensure strict adherence to rules, bring transparency in private coaching institutes, and help in the overall welfare of students.'

Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu added, 'The bill promotes accountability, safety, and inclusiveness in Assam's coaching sector.'

Separately, the Assam Education Minister also introduced The Assam Private Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which proposes new norms for private universities. These include mandatory security clearance for sponsoring bodies, a ban on religious conversion activities, restrictions on opening new technical and medical courses, and government inspections every three years.

Additionally, the minister introduced eight amendment bills in the Assam Legislative Assembly concerning Bongaigaon, Gurucharan, Jagannath Barooah, Nagaon, North Lakhimpur, Sibsagar, Swahid Kanaklata Baruah, and Kokrajhar Universities. These amendments empower the state government to appoint the first Vice Chancellor of each newly established university. Future Vice Chancellors will be appointed by the Governor based on recommendations from a committee comprising nominees of the Governor, the Executive Council of the respective university, and a nominee of the state government.

Following the signing of the MoU during Advantage Assam 2.0, the Assam Education Minister also introduced three bills to establish new private universities in the state: Maa Kamakhya University (Darrang), Edtech Skill University (Tinsukia), and Swami Vivekananda University (BTR).

(ANI)