Biotechnology Hub at Assam Central University

The Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science & Tecnology has sanctioned a proposal to set up a state-of-the-art biotechnology hub at Assam Central University, located 23 km from Guwahati. The objective of the hub will be to conduct wide-ranging research into the molecular sieve of each medicinal plant growing in south Assam. This will help to prepare medicines to treat various ailments.

According to University’s Vice-chancellor Tapodhir Bhattacharjee, “The Department of Biotechnology has already granted Rs 27 lakh to buy sophisticated instruments to help the research in local medicinal and aromatic plants." This is a part of its first tranche for a three-year project for this unique hub.The Centre has proposed to carve out such hubs in each university and research set-ups in the North-East. This is with an aim to give a boost to research into the efficacy of many medicinal and aromatic plants which dot the mountains, hills and forests in the region.

The forests of south Assam are home to many medicinal and aromatic plants, which are known to be very effective in curing some ailments, but was mostly unused because of lack of research. Currently, the list of the most important medicinal plants in the country has crossed 150 species. Among these, mishimi teeta (Coptis teeta) and chirataq (Swertia chirayita), haldi (Alpina galangal), are found in south Assam. Haldi is a perennial herb with non-tuberous pungent rootstock that helps to purify blood, stimulate digestion and relieve inflammation.

Located on a scenic 600-acre highland in Dargakona Hills in Silchar, the Assam Central University was established in 1994 through a central act with only six departments and has made rapid progress eversince. According to the VC, “During the past 17 eventful years, the university was able to complete a majority of its infrastructure requirements, including the setting up of the departmental buildings, hostels, a library equipped with one lakh books and a network of roads on its vast campus."

The university has also become the first central university in the country to introduce course work in integrated Ph.D programmes with about 850 research scholars to its credit. At present, about 3,500 students are engaged in studies and research in 34 post graduate departments of the university, which he claims, is a unique record. Moreover, 43 other departments are in the pipeline and will be set up in phases, thus taking the total number of departments to 77. Within its fold, the university has 56 graduate colleges with 20,000 students covering over five districts in south Assam.

Source: Sharwan Jha, Guwahati