Assam’s school education system is dealing with two challenges at the same time. While thousands of schools are functioning with teacher shortages and falling student enrolment, nearly 25,000 educational institutions have approached the state government seeking provincialisation.The figures were placed before the Assam Legislative Assembly, where the government shared details of the state’s school education system.

Teacher shortage, low enrolment in focus

Official data presented in the House showed that 60,032 teaching posts are lying vacant across schools in the state. The Education Department also informed the Assembly that 7,948 schools are functioning without the prescribed student-teacher ratio, raising concerns over classroom teaching and compliance with education norms.The data further showed that 32,321 schools have fewer than 30 students, reflecting declining enrolment in several parts of Assam.The Opposition raised concerns over the large number of vacancies and low enrolment, arguing that both remain major hurdles to improving learning outcomes in government schools, IANS reports.

Nearly 25,000 institutions seek provincialisation

Education Minister Ranoj Pegu informed the Assembly that nearly 25,000 educational institutions have applied for provincialisation after the online portal was opened.According to data shared in the House, the applications include 6,163 lower primary schools, 10,101 upper primary schools, 5,733 high schools and 1,222 senior secondary schools.Pegu said the applications are being examined under the provisions of the Assam Education (Provincialisation of Services of Teachers and Reorganisation of Educational Institutions) Act and related rules. He also said teacher and principal recruitment in government schools is being carried out in accordance with court directions and the state’s recruitment policy.The government maintained that steps are being taken to fill vacant posts, rationalise resources and strengthen the school education system.