The go-ahead to the proposal by the University Grants Commission came after Minister for Development of North Eastern Region took up the issue with the HRD Ministry.
Sankardev is the greatest religious leader and social thinker of Assam and is considered as a colossal figure in the cultural and religious history of the state.
The contribution of the 15th century saint to the field of literature and culture forms the bedrock of Assamese identity.
A DoNER Ministry official said the chair is being set up to promote Sankardev's teachings of secularism, equality, humanism and non-violence which he promoted through his songs, plays and preachings.
Tezpur University had written to the UGC couple of years back seeking approval for setting up of the Chair. PTI MPB DV