The Union Government has approved the establishment of a new Indian Institute of Management (IIM) near Guwahati, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told the media last month. Calling it a special gift by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister announced that the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad) will mentor the upcoming IIM in Guwahati, which will be located at Marabhita in Kamrup district.
IIM Ahmedabad will now take the lead in preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the new institute, working in close consultation with the Assam Government, according to a letter from the Ministry of Education.
“Over the last 18 months, we presented a strong case to the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the Education Ministry,” said Dr Sarma while adding that Assam offered premier land and logistical support for this endeavour. “This will help in making the State an education hub in Eastern India and also helping fulfil our economic aspirations.”
Of the four plots identified by the State Government, the site selection committee has finalised the plot at Marabhita.
“Based on the report of the committee, approval of the Union Minister of Education is conveyed for the following: (i) in-principle approval of the proposal for establishment of new IIM at Marabhita in Kamrup District (near Guwahati), Assam; (ii) Approval that the IIM Ahmedabad shall be the Mentor Institute for establishment of the proposed new IIM at Kamrup,” the letter read.
Chief Minister Dr. Sarma on June 11 last visited the proposed site for an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in the Marabhita and Dighalkuchi localities in Kamrup district that recently received the go-ahead from the Union Government. Approximately 574 bighas of Government land has been earmarked for the upcoming IIM, the second in the North Eastern region after IIM Shillong in Meghalaya.
The Chief Minister said that investment to the tune of ₹1,000 cr is likely to be approved by the Centre for the IIM. Dr Sarma added that a School of Planning & Architecture might also come up near the upcoming IIM.
The Chief Minister stated that demands by locals for an alternative road connecting the upcoming IIM with the highway shall also be considered with all sincerity by the Government.
