Assam’s legislative push to reshape its education ecosystem triggered a political storm on November 29, with the Assembly passing six major bills tied to school and higher education — all without the opposition present.

The walkout by Congress, CPI(M), and Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi came after a heated four-hour debate and repeated demands for voting on proposed amendments, which opposition members say were dismissed without consideration.

Sweeping reforms passed without opposition vote

Among the key amendments cleared were the Assam Non-governmental Educational Institutions (Regulation of Fees) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Assam Education (Provincialisation of Teachers and Re-organisation of Educational Institutions) (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Two additional laws related to the regulation of teacher transfers and the provincialisation of non-teaching staff were also approved.

Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, who moved all four amendment bills, argued the legislative changes were essential to streamline governance, regulate fees, and restructure staffing across educational institutions.

Two additional university bills — the Azim Premji University Bill, 2025, and the North Eastern Regional Institute of Management (NERIM) University Bill, 2025 — were passed via voice vote on the final day of the Winter Session.

Opposition alleges bypassing of democratic scrutiny

Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia accused the government of “rushing legislation without accountability,” arguing that the amendments required open voting and scrutiny. CPI(M)’s Manoranjan Talukdar and Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi echoed the criticism, asserting that the tenor of the session undermined democratic procedure.

“This Assembly must allow discussion and voting. Without that, the process loses legitimacy,” Saikia said before walking out with other opposition members.

Government defends move as necessary overhaul

Minister Pegu maintained the reforms reflect the state’s commitment to strengthening its education system. In a post on X, he said the bills — including amendments linked to Rabindranath Tagore University and Su-Ka-Pha University — would “improve institutional functioning, regulate fee structures, and streamline staff processes.”

Next battles shift outside assembly

The passage of the six bills marks one of the most significant overhauls in Assam’s education framework in recent years. While the government frames the move as overdue reform, the opposition warns that the manner of passage sets a troubling precedent.

With the opposition vowing to raise the issue in future sessions, the political and administrative impact of the legislation is now likely to extend well beyond the Assembly floor.