Assam University turns Rs 30 crore guest house into luxury hotel. Students, faculty cry foul

Rohika AAU-International Guest House was inaugurated in 2023 by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at the university’s Khanapara veterinary college campus. (Image credit: @CMOfficeAssam/X)

A Rs 30 crore international guesthouse built by Assam Agricultural University (AAU) to host academic seminars and research conclaves has been converted into a luxury hotel, triggering protests from faculty and student bodies. The facility 12 VIP rooms, 43 executive suites, multiple dining areas, and a conference hall, and is now listed on travel platforms as a premium hotel.

Rohika AAU-International Guest House was inaugurated in 2023 by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at the university’s Khanapara veterinary college campus. It was envisioned as a hub for academic collaboration. In a post on X, the chief minister's office wrote, "The guest house will aid in hosting seminars and conclaves on agricultural and veterinary matters and will provide best-in-class experience to the attendees."

HCM Dr @himantabiswa inaugurated the newly built International Guest House of Assam Agricultural University at Khanapara.

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The Guest House will aid in hosting seminars and conclaves on agricultural and veterinary matters and will provide best in class experience to the attendees. pic.twitter.com/66U5CZ3UMR

— Chief Minister Assam (@CMOfficeAssam) August 17, 2023

But within a year, AAU’s board of management leased the property to a private firm for five years, with renewals every 11 months. University officials cited a lack of trained manpower to manage the facility, but critics argue the move undermines public ownership and academic intent.

“This was meant to serve academia, not commercial tourism,” a senior faculty member told the Times of India. “We hope the property returns to institutional control, especially as the veterinary college is poised to become a full-fledged university.” The professors, however, are hopeful that guest house will eventually return to institution's control, especially since the veterinary college is on the verge of becoming a full-fledged university.