MoS Majumdar visits Assam, inaugurates Central Animal Facility at NIPER
Guwahati, Sept 20: Union Minister of State of Education and DoNER, Dr Sukanta Majumdar inaugurated the Central Animal Facility and In Vitro Drug Testing Facility at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Guwahati on Friday.
Expressing his elation at the Central Animal Facility inauguration, Majumdar said, “Today, we inaugurate the Central Animal and In Vitro Drug Testing Facilities, significant national assets that reinforce our commitment to pharmaceutical research and innovation, a vital initiative launched under the Science & Technology Intervention in North Eastern Region (STINER) programme.”
“We are inaugurating the Central Animal and In Vitro Drug Testing Facilities, which are pivotal assets that reinforce our dedication to pharmaceutical research and innovation. Funded under the Science & Technology Intervention in North Eastern Region (STINER) programme, these facilities are integral to the Viksit Bharat Abhiyan, aimed at fostering a developed and self-reliant India,” Majumdar said.
The Union Minister also visited various laboratories in the institution and interacted with respective officials and scholars.
NIPER Guwahati with its mission to cater to high-quality laboratory animals for drug discovery, received Rs 17.5 cr under the STINER programme by the Ministry of DoNER to establish Animal Breeding and GPL Accredited Biological Screening and Toxicology Centre with the latest types of equipment required for Drug Discovery Development.
The institute is supporting traditional healers and potential entrepreneurs from different states of NE region to promote their medicaments from regional and global levels.
Following this, the Union Minister attended a review meeting with the Central Higher Educational Institutions (CHEI) at IIT Guwahati. Institutions like Assam University, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar, Tezpur University, Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Guwahati, IIT Guwahati, CIT Kokrajhar and Secretary, Higher Education, Assam participated in the event.
The primary objective of this review meeting was to assess the current status, challenges, and prospects of higher education institutions in Assam. The meeting aimed to foster collaboration and identify opportunities for enhancement within the educational sector.
In his address, Majumdar emphasized the crucial role of higher education in promoting socio-economic growth in Assam and the Northeast.
“Our institutes in the northeastern states are facing multiple challenges—ranging from student well-being, to financial and infrastructural constraints,” Majumdar said.
“It is imperative that we collectively rise to meet these challenges. Additionally, as the world moves toward the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat,’ it is crucial for our institutions to emphasize research and innovation to compete on the global stage. We must continue building on this foundation to remain globally competitive,” he said.
The Union Minister also appreciated the institutions for their contributions to research, innovation, and community outreach, encouraging greater collaboration to align with national education goals.
Majumdar also highlighted the importance of implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) to enhance students’ access to a wider range of courses and ensure smoother educational pathways, fostering more inclusive and flexible learning opportunities for the region’s youth.
Later in the day, Majumdar visited Gauhati University and inaugurated the Centre for Brahmaputra Studies building and participated in a programme at the Brahmaputra Study Circle.
In this address, Majumdar said: “Today, we mark a significant milestone with the establishment of the Centre for Brahmaputra Studies. This initiative is not just about research; it is about understanding the complex and dynamic nature of the Brahmaputra and addressing the many challenges it poses while unlocking opportunities for sustainable development.”
“The Centre’s primary mission is to provide insights and solutions that guide the sustainable development of the region and ensure the well-being of the people who rely on the Brahmaputra.” He said.
“The establishment of the Centre for Brahmaputra Studies is a prime example of our commitment to education, research, and innovation in this region. By fostering centres of excellence like this, we are ensuring that the North East emerges as a hub of knowledge and development, contributing to the broader progress of our country,” he added.
