Dispur: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sparked controversy with his proposal to restrict graduates from the Muslim-managed University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), from competing for state government posts. These remarks, perceived as discriminatory, are part of a broader discourse concerning the treatment of educational institutions managed by religious minorities.
According to Kashmir Media Service, USTM, located in the Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya, is operated by an educational foundation owned by Mahbubul Hoque, a Bengali-origin Muslim from Assam’s Karimganj district. The Chief Minister’s comments come amid a background of ongoing attacks and critical public statements against the university.
Sarma suggested that graduates from USTM may disadvantage students from Assam’s own universities and proposed that they undergo additional scrutiny before becoming eligible for government positions in Assam. He noted that his concern extends to all students from outside universities but admitted a particular grievance against USTM, accusing the institution of contributing to local challenges such as flash floods in Guwahati—a claim that has been met with skepticism and labeled as unfounded by experts.
This stance by the Chief Minister has been criticized as reflecting anti-Muslim sentiments, exacerbating communal tensions, and potentially marginalizing an educational institution based on its leadership’s religious and ethnic background.