Assam Education Bill Draws Mixed Reactions Over Provincialisation Reforms

The Assam government on Wednesday introduced the Assam Education Bill proposing key reforms, including provincialisation of schools established on or before January 1, 2006, and easing teacher transfer rules. Schools with recognition, affiliation, or NOC status will also be included, bringing their staff under government benefits.

The Bill allows male teachers to apply for transfer after seven years and female teachers after five years in remote postings. It also proposes a 6% pay revision for non-teaching staff and tutors and recommends a 25% fee reduction for schools in remote areas.

However, the Bill has faced strong opposition in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), where the BTC Venture Senior Secondary School Employees’ Association alleges exclusion of Sixth Schedule institutions and violation of the Bodo Accord. They warned of intensified protests if the concerns remain unaddressed.