Assam Christian Forum flags 'direct attack' on minority school autonomy, urges govt to review fee regulation bill

ACF, an umbrella body representing Christian communities and minority educational rights across the state, expressed deep concern on November 25 over the state cabinet’s decision to table the Assam Private Educational Institutions (Regulation of Fees) Amendment Bill, 2025, in the ongoing winter session of the assembly.

The Forum said the bill threatens to dismantle long-standing protections enjoyed by minority-run schools and is a significant shift from the earlier hands-off approach adopted by the government.

ACF Chairman Archbishop John Moolachira said the proposed amendment gives the state "sweeping powers" to regulate fee structures, monitor collections, and intervene in the internal functioning of such schools at any time.

Terming the move a "direct attack" on the autonomy of the Christian missionary institutions, the Archbishop said these centres of learning have served as "pillars of education in Assam for over a century". According to him, the bill undermines their ability to maintain operations aligned with their values and a sustained service-oriented model. "We are pained and feel intimidated. These schools are not businesses but nation builders, preserving identity, language, and culture through education," he said.

The ACF warned that if it were to be denied the right to determine reasonable fees, minority-run institutions would not be able to pay their teachers and maintain infrastructure, and continue providing scholarships to thousands of poor students from tribal and remote areas. 

The ACF further appealed for amendments that could protect the rights of the minority, asking the government to reconsider the bill. “Include our voices in whatever oversight mechanism and protect our autonomy,” the Archbishop said. The ACF was formed in 1995 as a non-profit coalition of Christian leaders, educators and community groups pursuing common goals of justice, education, and interfaith dialogue in Assam.