Academic Facility Turns into High-End Stay

Guwahati, Assam – The Assam Agricultural University (AAU) built an International Guest House for academic events and research meets. It cost over ₹30 crore and opened in 2023. The campus is at Khanapara, part of AAU’s veterinary college linked to its Jorhat base.

Soon after its launch, the property began appearing on online hotel booking sites as a luxury hotel, causing anger among faculty and students.

Leased to Private Management

AAU’s Board of Management decided to lease the guest house to a private firm for five years, with contracts renewed every 11 months.

Officials say the university lacked trained staff to run such a large facility. The guest house includes:

• 12 VIP rooms

• 43 executive rooms

• 40-seat VIP dining area

• 8-seat private dining room

• Conference hall and modern amenities

Faculty and Students Raise Objections

Student unions and faculty groups oppose the lease. They say the property must stay under public control and serve academic needs.

Teachers believe the facility could return to the university once the veterinary college becomes a full-fledged university.

Public Debate Over Asset Use

The decision has triggered statewide debate. Supporters say private management will improve services and upkeep. Critics argue it weakens the public nature of the university and shifts focus away from education.