The Assam cabinet has approved a proposal to drop the name of India’s former President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed from the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital (FAAMCH) in Barpeta district. Following the decision, the institution will now be known as Barpeta Medical College and Hospital.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the move was made to maintain uniformity in the naming of medical colleges across the state. Most government medical colleges in Assam are named after the locations where they are situated, and the Barpeta institution was an exception to this practice.
The medical college was originally established in 2011 and named after Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, who served as the fifth President of India from 1974 to 1977 and was one of the most prominent political figures from Assam.
The decision has triggered criticism from opposition parties and some community groups, who argue that removing the name of a prominent Assamese leader and freedom fighter is disrespectful to his legacy. Meanwhile, the state government has indicated that another educational or cultural institution may be named after Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed in the future to honour his contributions.