Assam: Rabha Joint Forum criticises IIM establishment in Kamrup

Rabha Joint Forum’s Kamrup district committee organised a press meet regarding the recently sanctioned establishment of a new Indian Institute of Management in Assam’s Kamrup District on Tuesday in Tourist Bungalow at Boko. 

It is worth mentioning that on Sunday, 2nd June ‘24, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the information of IIM on social media X that The Indian government has sanctioned the establishment of a new Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Assam, to be located in Marabhita village in Kamrup district near Guwahati. This development positions Guwahati among an elite group of Indian cities hosting premier educational institutions. 

The new IIM will be mentored by IIM Ahmedabad and will eventually sit on a 76.8332-hectare plot in Marabhita, Kamrup district. Further actions will follow a detailed project report prepared in consultation with the Higher Education Department and the Assam government.

Regarding this matter, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the site along with Palashbari Constituency MLA Hemanga Thakuria and other officials. However, the Rabha Joint Forum also organised a press conference led by the Kamrup District President and Executive Member of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) Sumit Rabha along with secretary Arjun Chetry, General member of RHAC, Pantan and Chandubi committee’s presidents Dilip Rabha and Niven Rabha and other leaders of the Rabha Joint Forum. 

Also Read: Himanta Biswa Sarma visits proposed site for IIM campus in Guwahati, says "where new dreams will be woven"

Rabha Joint Forum (RJF) reacts to the IIM to be set up in Marabhita village which is in the Tribal belt and block area. They are accused of violating the rules and regulations of the tribal belt and block. RJF also said that the RHAC is upset with the preparations to set up an IIM without the knowledge of the council. 

"We would welcome IIMs and IITs in tribal belt land. But it must be on the rules of tribal belt and block, not beyond that." Rabha Joint Forum. Also alleged that the Palashbari MLA Hemanga Thakuria was in the conspiracy. RJF has called the government administration and the RHAC chief Tankeswar Rabha to take proper action. 

All Rabha Students’ Union (ARSU) Bholagaon- Borduar committee reacts that the state government might be bargaining lands with our demands of the Sixth Schedule. “We are not opposing the establishment of the IIM. However, If the state government will not discuss the matter with our Rabha organisations, we are ready to go to the Supreme Court.” 

However, After visits to the site, during the media interactions, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sharma said that we would discuss the matter with RHAC and they demanded some rules and regulations. “We will obey rules and regulations. A new alternate road will be constructed to the IIM complex which will be established in Dighalkuchi and Marabhita village, therefore the villagers will not suffer.”