For years, the people of Assam and the Northeast have been advocating for the establishment of an Indian Institute of Management (IIM). In a monumental step, the Modi government has fulfilled this long-standing aspiration by announcing the inauguration of an IIM in Guwahati. The bill concerning the establishment of IIM Guwahati has been passed in the Lok Sabha. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan presented the bill, which was approved through a voice vote without debate.
The bill raced through Lok Sabha, passing within eight minutes of the session starting, amid chaos that required the proceedings to be postponed multiple times until late afternoon. When the Lower House reconvened at 4 PM, Member of Parliament from Assam, Dilip Saikia, presiding as part of the Deputy Speaker Panel, appealed for order, emphasizing the significance of the bill for Assam and the Northeast.
Despite appeals, the opposition's disruptions continued as Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan introduced the bill for IIM Guwahati. He noted the recent meeting between Assam's Chief Minister and the Prime Minister, where the establishment of an IIM was discussed. Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted that India currently houses 21 IIMs and announced an investment of 550 crore INR by the Indian government for the Guwahati campus.
Presenting the bill, Pradhan stated that Assam's state government would provide the necessary land and support. He pointed out the global acclaim of IIMs, with demand even coming from international markets. He mentioned the upcoming IIM Ahmedabad branch in Dubai, urging members to engage in discussions and support the bill's passage. Despite the ongoing uproar, the bill was cleared by the chair without further debate.
This bill passed by voice vote amidst opposition slogans, with the presiding officer encouraging support for the establishment of IIM in Assam.
Read More: Mines and Minerals Bill Passed by Rajya Sabha
Meanwhile, in the Rajya Sabha, Mines and Minerals Minister G. Kishan Reddy introduced the mining legislation, leading to a brief discussion. Opposition members staged a walkout during this session. The NDA coalition members participated in a nearly two-hour debate before Minister Reddy provided responses.
The Indian government plans to invest 33,000 crore INR in critical minerals, as mentioned by Minister Reddy. Shortly thereafter, the bill was ratified by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha.
