Council of Ministers restrict private educational institutions in Assam

* Bar on fees hike by private educational institutions

* Street vendors to have permanent locations

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: In a significant relief for parents, the Council of Ministers (CoM) on Monday decided to restrict all the private educational institutions in Assam from unilaterally hiking the academic fees. In this direction, the CoM unanimously approved Under the 'Assam Non-Government Education Institutions (Regulation of Fees) Rules-2020'.

After the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said, "From now onwards, the managements of private schools and colleges will not be able to increase the fees charged from students. A Committee will be formed to go into the details of the private educational institutions operating in Assam. The respective managements of these educational institutions will have to approach the panel with all cost details. They must have the panel's approval for any decisions regarding fees charged from students."

The CoM also took decisions of several other areas. Among them is the 'Assam Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme-2020'. Patowary said, "Permanent slots will be allotted to the street vendors so that they are not evicted. A detailed survey will be undertaken soon."

The other approved decisions are as follows: Decision was taken to enhance honorarium of the State's 161 honorary librarians from Rs 900 to Rs 12,000 and 153 helpers honorariums from Rs 550 to Rs 9,000.

Decision was taken for issuing notification of increase in time limits for returns, forms, assessments etc under the Assam VAT Act. The State Cattle and Buffalo Breeding Policy-2020 was approved.

Upgradation of Bajali Sub-Division to a full-fledged district with the creation of 10 posts of officers and 85 other posts.

Decision was taken for implementation of 'Uberization' Scheme of ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation). Under this, 668 new buses would operate for five years.

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