Directorate of Higher Education of Assam

Overview

The Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) of Assam is the principal administrative body responsible for overseeing and regulating higher education in the state. Established to ensure the development, management and quality enhancement of higher education institutions, the DHE operates under the Ministry of Education, Government of Assam. Its headquarters is situated in Kahilipara, Guwahati. The directorate plays a pivotal role in shaping the higher education landscape of Assam by implementing policies, coordinating with institutions and facilitating various academic and administrative functions.

History and Legal Framework

The Directorate of Higher Education traces its origins to the creation of the post of Director of Public Instruction (DPI) in 1874, during the British colonial era. Initially responsible for all aspects of education, including elementary, secondary and higher education, the DPI's office was located in Shillong, the then capital of undivided Assam. With the bifurcation of Assam and the subsequent creation of new states, the responsibilities of the DPI were redistributed, leading to the establishment of separate directorates for different educational sectors. The DHE was formally constituted to focus specifically on higher education, including universities, government colleges and non-government (provincialised) colleges. The Assam State Higher Education Council Act, 2017, further institutionalized the governance and regulatory framework for higher education in the state, empowering the DHE to regulate, supervise and develop higher education institutions.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: To establish new professional institutions and strengthen existing ones, ensuring that higher education in Assam is accessible, equitable and of high quality.

Vision: To restructure universities to achieve premier status, enhancing their global competitiveness and to realize the human resource potential of the state through a robust higher and technical education sector characterized by equity and excellence.

Objectives:

• To regulate and oversee the functioning of higher education institutions in Assam.
• To implement and monitor centrally sponsored schemes like Rashtriya Uchchattar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) for the enhancement of higher education.
• To facilitate the establishment of new colleges and universities in underserved areas.
• To promote research and innovation within higher education institutions.
• To ensure the development of infrastructure and human resources in the education sector.
• To provide scholarships and financial assistance to deserving students.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The Directorate of Higher Education is headed by a Director, who is supported by Joint Directors, Deputy Directors and other administrative staff. The directorate operates under the Ministry of Education, Government of Assam and collaborates with various stakeholders, including universities, colleges and technical institutions, to implement its policies and programs. The Assam State Higher Education Council, established under the Assam State Higher Education Council Act, 2017, works in conjunction with the DHE to regulate, supervise and develop higher education in the state. While the DHE functions within the framework set by the state government, it maintains a degree of autonomy to address the specific needs of higher education in Assam.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation

The Directorate of Higher Education plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of higher education in Assam. While it does not directly accredit institutions, it collaborates closely with national accreditation bodies such as the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) to facilitate the accreditation process for institutions in Assam. The DHE also implements quality enhancement programs, provides funding for infrastructure development and encourages institutions to adopt best practices in teaching, learning and administration. Through these efforts, the DHE aims to improve the overall quality of education and ensure that institutions meet national standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The Directorate of Higher Education actively seeks international collaborations to enhance the quality of education and research in Assam. In the past, the directorate has engaged in partnerships with international organizations to promote educational exchange, faculty development and research initiatives. Such collaborations provide opportunities for students and faculty to gain exposure to global best practices and contribute to the internationalization of higher education in Assam. Additionally, the directorate encourages Assam-based institutions to establish their own international partnerships, thereby fostering a global academic network.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The Directorate of Higher Education continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of higher education in Assam. Under the leadership of Director Pomi Baruah, appointed in 2023, the directorate is focusing on enhancing the quality of education, improving infrastructure and promoting skill development. The state government has also launched initiatives aimed at upgrading educational facilities, constructing hostels and teachers' quarters and implementing inter-village school models. These efforts are expected to address infrastructural deficiencies, improve access to education and enhance the overall quality of higher and technical education in Assam.

Summary

The Directorate of Higher Education of Assam is a key agency responsible for the development and regulation of higher education in the state. Established to oversee universities, government colleges and non-government (provincialised) colleges, the directorate works under the Ministry of Education, Government of Assam, to implement policies and programs that enhance the quality and accessibility of education. Through its initiatives, the directorate aims to foster a knowledge-driven society, promote research and innovation and bridge the skill gap in various sectors. The directorate's efforts are aligned with national policies and are supported by collaborations with national and international agencies.

FAQs

• What is the Directorate of Higher Education?
  The Directorate of Higher Education is the principal government agency responsible for overseeing and regulating higher education in Assam.
• When was the Directorate established?
  The Directorate was formally constituted to focus specifically on higher education, including universities, government colleges and non-government (provincialised) colleges.
• What are the key functions of the Directorate?
  The Directorate regulates and oversees the functioning of higher education institutions, implements centrally sponsored schemes like RUSA, promotes research and innovation and ensures the development of infrastructure and human resources in the education sector.
• Who heads the Directorate?
  The Directorate is headed by a Director, who is supported by Joint Directors, Deputy Directors and other administrative staff.
• Does the Directorate provide scholarships?
  Yes, the Directorate provides scholarships and financial assistance to deserving students to support their education.
• Is the Directorate involved in international collaborations?
  The Directorate actively seeks international collaborations to enhance the quality of education and research in Assam.
• What is the Assam State Higher Education Council?
  The Assam State Higher Education Council, established under the Assam State Higher Education Council Act, 2017, works in conjunction with the Directorate to regulate, supervise and develop higher education in the state.

Organization Name

Directorate of Higher Education of Assam

Acronym

Year of Establishment

1/01/1957

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Kahilipara
Guwahati
781 019 Assam India

Phone

+91 (361) 238 2286

Fax

+91 (361) 238 2286

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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