Guwahati: In a significant move to alleviate the academic disruption caused by recent floods, the Assam government has commenced the distribution of free textbooks to students in the severely impacted districts of Charaideo, Sivasagar, and Jorhat.
Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu recently flagged off the inaugural consignment of these essential learning materials from the Assam State Textbook Production and Publication Corporation Ltd. (ASTPPC) warehouse located at Bonda in Guwahati. This initial phase targets over 1.12 lakh students whose studies have been gravely affected by the inundation across the three districts.
The first batch comprises 1,41,719 textbooks, transported in a fleet of seven trucks. These books are earmarked for 1,12,843 students, marking a crucial step towards restoring normalcy in their educational journey. While the three districts collectively account for more than 1.5 lakh students, the recent deluges have specifically impacted approximately 1.12 lakh of them.
Addressing reporters during the flagging-off ceremony, Minister Pegu highlighted the scale of the requirement, stating that nearly 8.98 lakh textbooks are needed for students ranging from Classes I to XII in these affected areas. He noted that the current dispatch fulfills approximately 15 percent of the total demand. The Minister reassured the public that the remaining textbooks would be sent out in subsequent phases, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all affected learners.
This initiative underscores the state government's commitment to supporting students in flood-hit regions and mitigating the long-term impact of natural calamities on education.
Continue Reading
