Critical Infrastructure Shortages in Assam Schools: Water, Toilets, and Teachers Lacking

Post by : Raina Nasser

Severe deficiencies in infrastructure have emerged in Assam’s government schools, particularly in rural and ‘char’ (river island) regions. On Thursday, the state assembly was notified that approximately 1,400 primary and mid-level schools lack sufficient drinking water and toilet amenities for their pupils.

During the assembly session, Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu divulged comprehensive statistics regarding the state of schools in these locales. He noted that:

1. 347 schools are entirely devoid of drinking water facilities
2. 809 schools lack any toilet provisions
3. 134 schools possess non-functional drinking water systems
4. 101 schools feature toilets that are currently out of order

The minister assured that efforts are being made by various departments to enhance fundamental facilities, yet the existing shortages pose a significant hurdle for students relying on government schools in remote regions.

In addition to infrastructure issues, the minister disclosed a significant deficit in teaching staff. Across all government schools in both ‘char’ and rural areas, there are 27,936 teaching positions unfilled. The breakdown is as follows:

1. 12,382 vacancies in Middle English (ME) schools
2. 8,251 vacancies in Lower Primary (LP) schools
3. 7,303 vacancies in Upper Primary (UP) schools

Recruitment initiatives are in progress for certain roles. The verification process for 4,500 LP teacher positions in general areas is currently underway. Additionally, the Secondary Education Directorate has initiated recruitment to fill 9,717 teaching posts throughout the state.

This data underscores the urgent need for better infrastructure and an increased number of teachers to provide quality education for students in the most neglected regions of Assam.