Achi news desk-
Amid promises to expand educational infrastructure in Assam, particularly through the establishment of new universities, the fate of Handique Girls’ College becoming a university remains unclear. Prime Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s promises to introduce a bill to ease this transition have not materialized, leaving the project in limbo. Despite the government’s promise to upgrade Handick College for girls, the lack of suitable land was a significant obstacle.
Almost a year has passed since the initial announcement, yet there has been no progress on the ground.
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The question remains: What happened to the hope for university status of the Handick College for girls? Why is it still delayed?
When GPlus reached out for updates, authorities in the education department revealed that there had been no developments on the matter.
On June 16, 2023, upon arriving in X, the Prime Minister announced, "In the August assembly session, the Assam government will introduce bills to establish new universities in Sibsagar College, Kokrajhar College, Bungaigaon College, JB-Jorhat College, North Lakhimpur College, Nagaon College and Gurucharan College, as promised. However, upgrading Handick College will take time, as the college currently does not have adequate land. We are in the process of finding land for the Handik College for Girls."
Almost a year later, that promised land has yet to be found, and Handick College for Girls’ dream of attaining university status remains just that – a dream.
In June 2023, the Department of Higher Education informed the principals of eight colleges, including Handick College for Girls, that their institutes would remain as ‘constitutional colleges’, and would not be upgraded to universities as previously proposed. This decision was made because it required amendments to the relevant laws.
Then, in September 2023, the Assam government passed bills to upgrade six colleges to universities, delisting Handique Girls College. This move dashed the college’s hopes of graduating from the university, leaving the institute and its stakeholders disappointed.
Speaking to GPlus, a senior official from Handique Girls College revealed that a meeting was held in August 2023 to discuss upgrading the colleges to universities.
"Despite presenting a comprehensive plan and an allocation from the government of 10 crores in the previous budget, the bill for the Handik College for Girls was not passed"Officially informed GPlus.
The proposed plan included the establishment of three campuses, two of which were planned within the existing 6 areas. The expected buildings consisted of seven-storey buildings, approved by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC).
"In addition, plans were made to purchase at least 85 large plots of land for the third campus, which would contain student hostels and staff quarters."the official announced.
However, the upgrading process hit a barrier due to the lack of suitable land for expansion.
Established in 1939, Handik Girls College was a prominent institute for women’s education in North East India. With over 2,700 registered students, the transition of the college to a university will require additional infrastructure and land.
Earlier speaking to GPlus, Dr Ranjit Sharma, Principal of the college, expressed optimism about the institute’s academic future, highlighting plans to introduce new programs and expand its course offerings in anticipation of university status.
"As we already offer a wide range of courses expected of a college or university, we are now introducing new programs to further diversify our academic portfolio," stated Dr. Sharma.
Moreover, the college plans to expand its academic programs in the future, introducing at least 25 courses for the proposed Handyk University for Women.
Despite the setbacks, the college remains hopeful for its future, eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of its long-standing ambition to become a Handique Women’s University.
In a conversation with GPlus, a senior official from the education department said, "Currently, there is no move from the government."
He declined to comment on Handick’s current status as a university.
GPlus tried to contact the Assam Education Minister but he was not available for comments.
According to reports, the name Radha Kanta Handique College may inspire awe, but behind its illustrious facade lies a story of resilience, vision and determination embodied by Rajabala Das, an unsung hero of women’s education in the region. Born in the early 20th century, Rajabala Das was a trailblazer whose indomitable spirit defied societal norms and colonial constraints to pave the way for women’s empowerment through education.
In the 1930s, against the backdrop of colonial rule and prevailing gender biases, the idea of ​​establishing a college for women only seemed like an insurmountable challenge. However, Rajabala Das, armed with unwavering determination and a visionary vision, set out on a mission to defy the odds and create a niche for women’s education in Assam. Despite being a woman in a patriarchal society and not of British descent, Rajabala Das dared to dream the impossible.
Decades later, the college now assumes another dream.
