A Rs 30.79 crore guesthouse, built by Assam Agricultural University (AAU) at Khanapara, has been leased out to a private firm and transformed into a luxury hotel, sparking controversy. Inaugurated in 2023 by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma with the aim of promoting academic and research collaboration, the facility, now known as 'Rohika AAU-International Guest House', was leased within a year of its opening.
The decision to privatize the guesthouse was made by AAU's board of management in 2024, citing a lack of trained manpower to manage the facility. AAU registrar Tapan Kumar Gohain stated that the decision to lease the property was made after construction, as faculty members were unable to manage the guesthouse. The guesthouse boasts 12 VIP rooms, 43 executive rooms, a VIP dining area that can accommodate 40 people, a private dining space for eight, and a conference hall, among other amenities.
The move has been met with opposition from student and teacher bodies, who argue that university property should remain under public control. Raj Jyoti Deka, general secretary of the Assam Agricultural University Teachers Association — Veterinary Faculty, expressed hope that the guesthouse will eventually return to academic hands, especially with the veterinary college on the verge of becoming a full-fledged university. Deka noted that since the guesthouse is on veterinary college land, they hope it will revert to the college and later to the veterinary university.
The conversion of the guesthouse into a luxury hotel has raised concerns about the original purpose of the facility, which was intended to host high-level seminars and conclaves on agriculture and veterinary sciences. The guesthouse is now listed on online travel platforms. The Times of India reported the transformation on August 11, 2025, highlighting the shift from academic collaboration to commercial hospitality.
This situation echoes a similar instance where the BJP's use of the term "Bangladeshi language" to describe Bengali was criticized, demonstrating sensitivity around linguistic and cultural identity in the region. Furthermore, various incidents at Gauhati University, including a mark sheet scam and hostel closures due to violent clashes, highlight the challenges and controversies that can arise within Assam's higher education institutions. These incidents, along with the guesthouse controversy, underscore the importance of maintaining the integrity and purpose of educational resources and respecting cultural and linguistic sensitivities.
