Guwahati, March 4 -- The Assam cabinet has introduced new regulations for private universities, requiring mandatory security clearance and a commitment to secularism.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that these measures aim to 'safeguard national security' and prevent religious conversions within educational institutions.

"All new private universities must secure clearances from the home and political departments," Sarma said.

"Furthermore, they must maintain a secular environment and refrain from direct or indirect religious conversions. Violations will result in license cancellation," he said.

The cabinet approved these stricter rules to enhance legal enforcement.

Despite the new regulations, the cabinet als...