Himanta Sarma says IIM Guwahati plan advances after talks with Dharmendra Pradhan
Sharing the details of the meeting on social media platform
“Assam will be the next education hub of Eastern India and we are trying to get the best possible institutions here. I had a very nice meeting today with Hon’ble Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Ji to finalize the outline of IIM-Guwahati campus. I am grateful for his unremitting support towards strengthening the educational infrastructure in Assam,” Sarma wrote.
The proposed IIM Guwahati is part of the Assam government’s broader vision to transform the state into a leading educational destination in Eastern India by attracting top academic and research institutions.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the Union Education Minister’s continued support in expanding educational opportunities and infrastructure across Assam. This development is expected to boost management education, research and skill development in the region, while enhancing Assam’s reputation as an emerging education hub.
More details on campus location, infrastructure plans and implementation timeline are expected to be announced once consultations between state and central governments are completed.
On Wednesday, Sarma also called President Droupadi Murmu and briefed him about the state’s rapid economic growth and future development roadmap. The meeting is important as it is Sarma’s first meeting with the President after assuming office as Prime Minister for the second consecutive term.
Sharing the details of the meeting on social media platform
“Meeting Mr. President is always an inspiring experience and his words are encouraging in our path of public service,” Sarma wrote.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister told the President of Assam about the ongoing growth journey and the government’s plans to maintain the momentum in the coming years.
“After assuming office for the second time, I briefed him about Assam’s ongoing growth journey as India’s fastest growing state and how we plan to take this momentum forward,” he said.
Sarma also sought the President’s approval and guidance as his government continues to focus on public welfare, infrastructure expansion and economic development.
“I have sought his blessings and guidance to continue our journey of public welfare and development,” the Prime Minister added.
Sarma also said that he had a productive meeting with PepsiCo India Chief Executive Officer Jagrut Kotecha at his official residence in the national capital.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said he discussed the progress of PepsiCo India’s ongoing operations in Assam as well as the company’s future expansion plans in the state.
“We had a nice meeting with PepsiCo India CEO Jagrut Kotecha. We discussed the progress of the group’s ongoing operations in Assam and expansion plans in the coming days. Assam is consistently emerging as a preferred hub for various industrial activities,” Sarma said.
The meeting took place as part of the Prime Minister’s ongoing talks with industry leaders to attract investments and accelerate industrial growth in Assam.
During his five-day visit to the national capital, Prime Minister Sarma met several industry leaders, including Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman and Managing Director SN Subrahmanyan, Bharti Enterprises Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Rajan Bharti Mittal and representatives of the Rashmi Group, to press for early execution of ongoing projects and encourage more investments in Assam.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s favorable law and order situation, stable economy, investor-friendly policies and incentives, including initiatives aimed at improving ease of doing business.
Rashmi Group, a family-owned industrial conglomerate headquartered in Kolkata, has a diversified portfolio spanning iron and steel, cement, energy and logistics sectors, operating across India.
The outreach forms part of Assam’s continuous efforts to attract investment, following the successful Advantage Assam 2.0: Investment and Infrastructure Summit held in Guwahati in February last year. By showcasing the state’s expanding infrastructure, strategic connectivity, abundant natural resources and business-friendly policy environment, the summit helped attract significant investment commitments and investor interest in sectors such as manufacturing, food processing, logistics, energy, tourism and technology.
