Assam schools to be graded – Dispur to assess primary institutions

Guwahati, Nov. 11: Assam has decided to introduce the National Assessment and Accreditation Council-style gradation for the state’s primary schools.

Schools which get “A+” will be given awards by Dispur while those securing “A” grade will be awarded by the education department.

Schools getting “B” grade will be asked to improve while the rest will face censure.

Education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while speaking at a function on the occasion of National Education Day in the city today, said like the NAAC, which assesses and accredits institutions of higher education in the country, the state education department would assess the performance and award grades to 35,000 primary schools in the state.

He said schools performing better would be given incentives and letters of appreciation.

The assessment process will begin from the current academic year.

“The provincialisation process of 95,000 posts in venture schools is on. There will be no shortage of teachers after filling up of 50,000 posts following the Teachers’ Eligibility Test. So I am hopeful that most of the primary schools in the state will be able to secure ‘A+’ and ‘A’ grades,” Sarma said.

He said the education department has tied up with the Indian Space Research Organisation for setting up an education centre in Guwahati linking about 5,000 Middle English (ME) schools to impart effective teaching skills.

“Teachings at the Guwahati centre can be viewed in all ME or upper primary schools by installing a terminal and television set. This will enable the teachers to improve their teaching methodology. It will also help us in overcoming the growing shortage of teachers in important subjects like mathematics and science at the primary school level by using the technology,” the education minister said.

Sarma said an access control system would be put in place to ensuring proper attendance of teachers under the Axom Sarba Siksha Abhijan.

“Fingerprints will be recorded when a teacher enters and exits a school. Those found short of a minimum of five hours of duty would be penalised by way of cuts in salary and other disciplinary action,” he said.

Sarma said the government would bring about a legislation to prevent backdated illegal appointments and those found guilty would have to undergo 14 years of imprisonment.

He also announced Rs 200 per month as allowance to teachers who are holding the charge of headmasters. “The notification to this effect will be issued today itself,” he added.

During the today’s function, an memorandum of understanding was signed by the government of Assam and the British Council to enhance the English spelling, reading and writing skills for primary teachers from Classes I to V.

Sarma said about 1,000 primary schoolteachers would be initially imparted training in English.

Earlier, chief minister Tarun Gogoi launched the Right to Education Mission in the function and said his government has laid emphasis on education right from the primary to the university level.

He said his government was contemplating awarding extra bonus and letter of commendation to teachers who have performed well.