Guwahati: Assam Skill University, under construction in Mangaldoi, is a transformative initiative aiming to provide quality education and skill development in Assam. The university’s primary goal is to make the youth industry-ready with courses tailored to meet the demands of local, national, and global industries.
The varsity aims to boost long-term employment and economic growth by fostering a skilled workforce and nurturing entrepreneurial ventures. The institution is pivotal to Assam's industrial revolution, particularly in emerging sectors like semiconductor manufacturing and technology-driven industries.
With a budget of Rs 1,070 crore, funded through an 80 per cent loan from the Asian Development Bank and 20 per cent state funding, the project allocates Rs 400 crore for infrastructure development and the rest for curriculum creation, labs, and operational expenses. Its recognition by the UGC ensures long-term sustainability.
In an exclusive interview with journalist Kajol Singha for Business North East (BNE), Hanif Noorani, CEO of Assam Skill University Project & Registrar, shared details of the major skill project. He talked about investments, agenda, placements, and the varsity's long-term vision.
Below are the excerpts from the interview:
BNE: The construction of Assam Skill University is ongoing in Mangaldoi. Why not any other place?
Hanif Noorani: Quality education is being made available right at the doorsteps of the people instead of centralizing all centres of excellence in Guwahati or other major cities like Jorhat and Dibrugarh, which already have institutes like engineering colleges, medical colleges, and agricultural universities. However, there aren’t many centres of excellence in other areas, especially in Lower Assam. While there are institutes in Kokrajhar, the central region lacks such facilities. Mangaldoi is an ideal location as it is situated near Guwahati, making it accessible for industries that will collaborate with the Skill University. Industries can easily visit to interact with students and trainees. Additionally, the availability of manpower in the region and its accessibility from Guwahati makes Mangaldoi a suitable choice for the university's establishment.
BNE: What is the university’s vision regarding supporting long-term employment opportunities and economic growth?
Hanif Noorani: Assam Skill University is being set up with the vision of equipping Assam's youth with the skills needed to be industry-ready. The curriculum will be aligned with the present needs of the industry, ensuring students are prepared for employment opportunities in Assam, neighbouring states, and across India. This aligns with the ongoing industrial revolution in India. Moreover, the varsity will play a major role in developing a workforce that is relevant to industries, enabling our youth to secure employment or even start their ventures, contributing to the overall economic growth of the region.
BNE: How much of the budget has been used so far, and how is it distributed across infrastructure, technology, and other resources?
Hanif Noorani: The total budget for the project is approximately Rs 1,070 crore, of which 80 per cent is a loan component and 20 per cent is state-funded. Around Rs 800 crore will be sourced as a loan from the Asian Development Bank via the Central government. Rs 400 crore will be allocated for infrastructure development, while the remaining funds will go towards developing the curriculum and setting up laboratories for skill training. The state’s Rs 200-crore component will cover operational expenses for five years, including salaries for university staff and other operational costs. The university is recognized by the UGC, ensuring sustainable funding in the future.
BNE: Can you elaborate on the fee structure?
Hanif Noorani: As a government institute, the fee structure will be minimal. While it hasn’t been finalized yet, it will primarily cover the costs of materials and equipment used in training. Additional fees will remain low, similar to other government institutes, to ensure affordability.
BNE: What about placements? Are there plans for international collaborations?
Hanif Noorani: We will collaborate with major industries and plan to host industry meets. We are reaching out to 500 top-performing companies in India. We’ve partnered with notable firms, including Philips, to help in curriculum development and placements. In addition to fostering industry partnerships, we plan to focus on entrepreneurship development. This will enable students to establish their ventures and contribute to Assam’s industrial revolution. Collaborations with neighbouring countries for placements are also under consideration.
BNE: How will the varsity impact the regional economy?
Hanif Noorani: The university will provide industry-relevant training and courses. For any industrial revolution, two components are critical: investment and human resources. By creating a large pool of industry-ready professionals, the university will boost industrial growth in the state. This growth will include industries like microchip manufacturing, enabling Assam to attract investments. Students trained in entrepreneurial skills may also start their ventures, contributing to the economy.
Assam Skill University under construction in Mangaldoi (Google image)
BNE: What courses will be introduced and what types of jobs are anticipated? Will there be a focus on semiconductors?
Hanif Noorani: We’ve identified nine schools, including the School of Technology, School of Mobility, and School of Agriculture, reflecting Assam’s strengths in raw materials, manpower, and geographical proximity to neighbouring countries. The courses will align with the needs of industries locally, nationally, and internationally, preparing youth for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Semiconductor-related training is also being considered, given the industry’s growth potential.
BNE: Will there be support systems like career counselling and entrepreneurship programs?
Hanif Noorani: Robust support systems will be in place, including a specialized school for entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Career counselling and placement support will also be integral. Students will be recruited based on their aptitudes to align their interests with their chosen courses, ensuring job satisfaction and better outcomes.
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BNE: What is your perspective on Assam Skill University’s role in benefiting students and organizations?
Hanif Noorani: Skilling is essential in today’s world to ensure industry-readiness. The university will bridge formal education and industry needs, aligning skill training with market demands. As the university becomes operational, it will guide students right from school, helping them develop skills for fulfilling and successful careers. This initiative will equally empower the youth and drive the economic transformation needed for India to become a developed nation.
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