Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasises Self-reliance in education

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma delivered an impassioned speech at the Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University, stressing the important role of self-reliance in education. Sarma explained that universities should reduce their dependence on public funds and adopt self-financing mechanisms to ensure that various issues can be properly addressed. Through a series of examples, Sarma expressed the importance of financial sustainability in educational settings. He emphasised the inherent vulnerability of relying solely on government grants, explaining that external variables such as natural disasters can quickly deplete financial resources and threaten educational efforts. In this perspective, Sarma emphasized the critical need for universities to strengthen their financial base while ensuring continued continuity and unwavering quality in the provision of higher education.

With a sharp analogy, Sarma captures the essence of self-reliance in the highly educated and likens it to the inevitable act of self-defense. He expressed confidence in a paradigm shift in university funding, advocating a shift from traditional models to self-sufficiency. Sarma praised Krishna Kanta Handique Public Open University for its exemplary success in adopting self-financing practices, calling it a beacon of role models in the educational environment. The Chief Minister also laid out a comprehensive roadmap for rolling out the subsidy system from full coverage to partial coverage. It was noted that these initiatives are carefully designed to promote equal access to education, especially for marginalised communities facing financial constraints. Against the backdrop of limited national resources, Sarma emphasises the need for strategic allocation and targeted support to the most needy to ensure maximum social benefits.