Assam Government Model Schools initiative expands with 80 new institutions in tea garden regions announced by CM Sarma
Guwahati, July 11 (Northeast Press):
In a significant push to enhance education in Assam’s remote tea garden regions, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the establishment of 80 new model schools, expanding the state’s initiative to transform educational access and quality in these underserved areas. The announcement comes as part of a broader vision to improve infrastructure, learning outcomes, and integration across diverse communities in the state.
80 More Schools to Add to Existing 118 in Tea Garden Areas
While interacting with headmasters of Tea Garden Model Schools and Adarsha Vidyalayas on Thursday, the Chief Minister highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to transform education in the tea estates. He mentioned that the 80 new model schools will be built in addition to the 118 model schools already functioning across the tea garden belts of Assam.
“Our goal was to establish 200 model schools across Assam’s 800 tea gardens. As per the 2022 plan, foundation stones were laid for 118 such schools, and these are now operational. Encouraged by their performance, we are now moving ahead with 80 more,”
said CM Sarma.
New Initiatives: Mid-Day Meals, Smart Classrooms, and More
To ensure better student attendance and engagement, the Assam government is introducing a set of key initiatives in these model schools. One of the major reforms includes extending the Mid-Day Meal Scheme to students of classes 9 and 10. Until now, the scheme has been available only for students from nursery to class 8.
The decision to include higher-grade students is aimed at reducing dropout rates, which remain a concern in tea estate communities due to economic and social challenges.
In addition, the government plans to equip model schools with smart boards and smart classrooms, promoting digital learning and modern teaching methods in rural Assam. This is expected to significantly enhance the learning experience for both students and teachers.
Promoting Social Integration and Teacher Welfare
CM Sarma also emphasized the need for inclusive enrollment across communities to foster social harmony and integration. He urged school heads to encourage student participation from all ethnic and social groups living in and around the tea garden regions.
Alongside student welfare, the state is focusing on improving the service conditions of teachers posted in model schools. Steps will be taken to address issues related to staffing, training, promotions, and work environment to attract and retain qualified educators in rural areas.
Adarsha Vidyalayas: A Parallel Model of Educational Excellence
The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of the state’s 57 Adarsha Vidyalayas, which were launched to nurture talent, innovation, and values through high-quality public education. These schools, operating parallel to the tea garden model schools, play a vital role in uplifting the educational standards across semi-urban and rural belts of Assam.
“The Adarsha Vidyalayas are designed to provide holistic education. We are determined to continue enhancing their performance and reach,”
CM Sarma said during the interaction.
Apprentice Training for B.Ed Students in Model Schools
In a move to link teacher training with grassroots learning environments, the government is considering the implementation of a mandatory one-year apprentice training program for B.Ed students. These trainee teachers will be posted in tea garden model schools and Adarsha Vidyalayas, allowing them to gain hands-on teaching experience while contributing to the community.
This proposal is aligned with the state’s broader strategy to build a skilled and socially responsible teaching workforce.
Assam’s Commitment to Rural Education Reform
The Assam government under CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has consistently prioritized education reforms, particularly in rural and marginalized areas. The tea garden model school initiative is seen as a transformative step in breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty and illiteracy that have long affected Assam’s tea worker communities.
By focusing on infrastructure, digital tools, nutritious meals, and inclusive learning, the initiative aims to create a robust foundation for socio-economic mobility among these historically underserved populations.
As the government prepares to roll out the next phase of this ambitious project, stakeholders across Assam have welcomed the move as a landmark investment in the future of education in the state.
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