Guwahati, 24 July (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday laid the foundation stone for infrastructure development projects worth ₹146.43 crore at Dibrugarh University. The initiatives, launched under the PM-USHA scheme and the Chief Minister’s Special Grant, aim to boost academic, research, and extracurricular activities.
Under the PM-USHA scheme, facilities worth ₹70.94 crore will be developed, including a 176-bed girls’ hostel, academic block, research centre, incubation centre, library, computer lab, and other academic infrastructure.
Additionally, projects worth ₹75.49 crore under the CM’s Special Grant include a 324-bed hostel, internal road upgrades, a residential complex with 16 Type-IV quarters, a sports complex with a synthetic track, gymnasium, and related amenities.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Sarma said the objective is to modernize and strengthen the university’s infrastructure to enhance learning, research, and co-curricular environments. He said improved facilities would raise the university's standards to a global level.
Highlighting the university’s legacy since its establishment in 1965, Dr. Sarma stressed the need to equip the institution to meet modern educational demands. He also revealed that projects worth another ₹50 crore are under consideration as part of the third phase of development at the university.
The CM noted that all newly established universities in the state have been allocated grants of ₹50 crore each, many of which have completed their infrastructure works. He also mentioned a ₹200 crore development plan for Gauhati University, a new Bodoland University campus in Udalguri, and a proposal for a new state university in the Barak Valley.
Emphasizing Assam’s demographic advantage, Dr. Sarma pointed out that the state's average age is 22 years, compared to the national average of 27.5 years. He urged universities to adopt curricula aligned with Industry 4.0 to prepare a workforce ready for global employment demands, including in ASEAN and BBN countries.
He called on higher education institutions to redefine their goals and become engines of growth in a “Viksit Bharat,” contributing through research in cutting-edge technology.
During the event, the Chief Minister also released the Dibrugarh University Diamond Jubilee theme song. Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Industries Minister Bimal Bora, Medical Education Minister Prashanta Phukan, Vice Chancellor Prof. Jiten Hazarika, and other dignitaries were present.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
