TED NewsDesk, Guwahati: With an investment of Rs. 1000 Crores, Assam is all set to come up with a Skill University. The Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal, laid the foundation stone of Assam Skill University at Mangaldoi, Darrang on 15th February accompanied by Chandra Mohan Patowary, Minister of Skill, and Employment & Entrepreneurship Department. The university has been established under the Assam Skill University Bill passed in the State Assembly in September 2020. It is the first of its kind university in the entire eastern part of India and will cater to over 10,000 students.
The university will provide skill education to the youth of India with a specific focus on Assam, and the North-Eastern region. The objective of the university is to strengthen industry-aligned and flexible skills education and training system by developing management and operating systems, faculty development and management systems, developing environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient ASU campus and facilities, designing and delivering industry 4.0 aligned and flexible skills education and training programs, strengthening engagement in industry-relevant applied research and development, and enhancing international and regional cooperation in skills education and training.
The project is scheduled to be completed by September 2026. The government of Assam is exploring partnerships with countries like Germany, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, Israel, Japan, and the United Kingdom, etc., to provide sector-specific expertise to these universities.
According to an official statement, the fund has been already been secured in the ratio of 80:20 from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Assam respectively. Additionally based on the university guidelines and taking guidance from by Assam Skill University Act, the appointment of key officials such as Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and other Administrative Staff has been initiated. The tendering process for civil work also has been initiated following the procurement guidelines of the Asian Development Bank.
The campus is spread in 250 bighas (83 acres) of land, which will house facilities like effluent treatment plant, rainwater harvesting, energy conversation through solar energy resulting in an overall green campus and nature-friendly University. The University will provide specialized short-term training, diploma and advance diploma, Bachelor of Vocation, Masters of Vocation and Research Level Vocational courses and build the capacity of the entire Eastern region in TVET Sector. Additionally, the University space is aiming to be a gender and disability-inclusive space and will have a hostel facility for 60% of women.