Guwahati, June 23 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Assam Cabinet on Tuesday approved key policy reforms aimed at promoting tourism and expanding private investment in higher education by simplifying regulations for homestays and reducing land requirements for setting up private universities in the state.
The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur.
In a major push to the tourism sector, the Cabinet approved the Assam Tourism Accommodation (Development & Registration) Rules, 2026, which introduce a simplified registration framework for homestays and other tourism accommodation facilities.
According to Chief Minister Sarma, the new rules establish a single-window registration system, making it easier for individuals and entrepreneurs to register and operate homestays. The rules also introduce an automatic renewal mechanism every three years, reducing procedural delays and compliance burdens for operators.
Talking to reporters, Sarma said the move is expected to encourage more local residents to participate in the tourism economy, particularly in rural and eco-tourism destinations, while enhancing the quality and availability of accommodation facilities for visitors.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Assam Private Universities Act, 2007, significantly reducing the minimum land requirement for establishing private universities across the state. Under the revised provisions, the minimum land requirement for setting up a private university in rural areas has been reduced from 60 bighas to 35 bighas. In urban areas, the requirement has been lowered from 30 bighas to 21 bighas.
CM Sarma asserted that the amendment is aimed at attracting greater private investment in the higher education sector and facilitating the establishment of quality educational institutions in Assam. The relaxation in land norms is expected to address one of the major challenges faced by educational investors while maintaining regulatory oversight.
The Chief Minister said the reforms will accelerate the growth of higher education infrastructure, improve access to quality learning opportunities, and strengthen Assam’s position as an emerging education hub in the Northeast.
The decisions form part of the state government’s broader efforts to create a more investment-friendly environment while promoting sustainable tourism and educational development across Assam.
Source: IANS
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