Barak Banga criticizes Assam government for 'discriminatory' university upgrade

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR: Barak Banga has taken exception to the decision of the State government to upgrade 5 colleges of Brahmaputra Valley to the status of university, depriving the Barak and Bodoland. Gautom Prasad Dutta, general secretary of Barak Upatakya Banga Sahitya o Sanskriti Sammelan BUBSOSS), said while finalizing the list of colleges for an upgrade, the geography and demography of the polyglot state should have been taken into consideration. The list reflects not the integrated but fragmented picture quite distinctively. This is most unfortunate, pointed out Dutta.

BUBSOSS however welcomed the move to upgrade 5 colleges of Brahmaputra Valley with rich historic and academic tradition. But, Dutta added a rider to say on such a vital academic issue, a more pragmatic and broad approach has been necessary. Some colleges of outstanding academic performances of this valley with superior infrastructure could have been brought under the ambit of consideration by the expert committee. Barak Banga is hopeful of positive decisions in future from the State government in respect of both Barak and Bodoland.

Gautom Prasad Dutta said the three districts of the valley have grade one colleges where the proposal for post graduate studies has been under consideration and proper infrastructure exists. At least three colleges, Gurucharan College Silchar, the third oldest institution in Northeast, Karimganj College and Sarada College Hailakandi, are the premier centre of higher education that could be taken up for review and upgrade. He said Assam University and the Director of Higher Education could consider it, being the call of the time.

Dutta said with a sense of dismay when Assam has undergone great change for better in the field of education, why Barak be neglected and kept on the back burner. Barak Banga is optimistic when the list is taken up for consideration next, this valley will get justice.

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