Guwahati, June 24: The Assam Cabinet approved significant policy reforms on Tuesday aimed at boosting tourism and increasing private investment in higher education. These reforms simplify regulations for homestays and reduce land requirements for establishing private universities in the state.
The decisions were made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at the Lok Seva Bhawan in Dispur.
To promote the tourism sector, the Cabinet approved the ‘Assam Tourism Accommodation (Development and Registration) Rules, 2026’. This initiative introduces a streamlined registration process for homestays and other tourism-related accommodations.
According to Chief Minister Sarma, the new regulations will implement a single-window registration system, making it easier for individuals and entrepreneurs to register and operate homestays. The rules also include an automatic renewal provision every three years, reducing delays and the burden of compliance for operators.
Speaking to reporters, Sarma expressed hope that this initiative would enable more locals to participate in the tourism economy, especially in rural and eco-tourism areas. Additionally, it aims to enhance the quality and availability of accommodation for tourists.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to the ‘Assam Private Universities Act, 2007’, significantly lowering the land requirements for opening private universities across the state. Under the revised rules, the minimum land requirement for establishing a private university in rural areas has been reduced from 60 bighas to 35 bighas. In urban areas, the requirement has been decreased from 30 bighas to 21 bighas.
Sarma noted that the purpose of these changes is to attract more private investment in the higher education sector and facilitate the establishment of quality educational institutions in Assam. Easing land-related regulations is expected to address one of the major challenges faced by educational investors while maintaining regulatory oversight.
The Chief Minister stated that these reforms will accelerate the development of higher education infrastructure, improve access to quality educational opportunities, and strengthen Assam’s position as an emerging educational hub in the Northeast.
These decisions are part of the state government’s broader efforts to create a conducive environment for sustainable tourism and educational development in Assam.
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