80 New Schools, One Vision—Assam’s Tea Belt Awakens to Opportunity

Image Source : NorthEast Now

In a pioneering move towards enhancing education in tea garden belts of impoverished regions, the Assam government has agreed to establish 80 new model schools. This will complement 118 model schools already running in 2022 with a view to transforming the education landscape of over 800 tea gardens.

Major Points of the Initiative

80 additional schools to be finished by January 2026
There will be smart classrooms, science labs, libraries, and playgrounds in schools
Midday meal program expanded to Classes 9 and 10 to check dropout rates
Cycles to be distributed among students from Class 6 and onwards to enhance attendance

Infrastructure and Inclusivity

23 school locations will be in districts like Dibrugarh, Golaghat, and Sonitpur
Emphasize students' admission from various communities for promoting social cohesion
Smart boards and elearning aids to be used for new learning

Teacher Training and Health Emphasis

Mandatory oneyear apprenticeship of B.Ed students in model schools and Adarsha Vidyalayas
Ongoing mandatory health checkups and periodic School Breakfast Programme for general student welfare
Improving the service conditions of teachers to facilitate greater retention and performance

Impact and Vision

Enrollment of students in tea garden schools has risen from 12,000 to 35,000
Government collaborates with organizations such as Hans, Gates, and Premji for longterm funding
The program is a strategic move towards quality, inclusive education in remote Assam

Sources: India Today, Times of India, The Hindu, Assam Tribune, KRC Times, MSN News, Northeast Now