Assam govt to bring new law requiring security clearance for opening of universities: CM Sarma

Guwahati (Assam) [India], August 21 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday that his government would introduce a new law that will require compulsory security clearance for the opening of universities in the state.
"Some institutions from Kerala are keen to open universities in the Muslim-majority areas of Assam. Congress had a policy of easily allowing any rich institution to open a university. A new act will come up in the state cabinet that will make it compulsory to get security clearance for opening nursing colleges, medical colleges, and dental colleges," Sarma told reporters here.
"There was no security clearance in our system and the acts were formed by Congress, but there was no provision for getting security clearance. We will bring this clause to Assam also and it will take 2-3 months to bring it," he added.
The Chief Minister said that some universities in Kerala are now trying to open universities in Barak Valley and Barpeta and when checking their backgrounds, it was found that they were suspicious.
"But there is no provision for checking in Assam. That's why we will bring security clearance provision," Sarma said.
On the other hand, talking about the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), the Assam Chief Minister said, "Interestingly, the Meghalaya government has made it clear that they will not defend USTM University, which is located in their state. However, Assam Congress leaders have come out all guns blazing to defend this entity, which is contributing to flash floods in Guwahati."