Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated 67 new school buildings and laid the foundation for 61 more on Monday. The projects represent a total investment of ₹760 crore to improve school infrastructure across the state.
Speaking at an event in Sonapur, Sarma described the day as significant for Assam’s education sector. He noted that past school construction relied on donations and local development funds, often resulting in unplanned structures.
New School Infrastructure Initiative
Since 2021, the Assam government has focused on modernizing school buildings. The current initiative aims to construct new buildings for 1,318 schools. Additionally, 58 older school buildings will be renovated instead of demolished.
Of the 67 schools inaugurated, new buildings cost approximately ₹483 crore. Eighteen of these schools were funded by the PM-DevINE scheme. The new facilities include up to 20 classrooms, administrative offices, laboratories, libraries, and smart classrooms.
Funding and Future Projects
The construction of the 67 inaugurated school buildings was supported by several funding sources. 21 buildings were built under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme. Another 28 were funded by the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund.
The 61 school buildings for which foundation stones were laid will require an investment of ₹277.55 crore. Each of these schools is planned at a cost of ₹4.55 crore, also funded by the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund.
Chief Minister Sarma stated that the government fulfilled its commitment to rebuilding school infrastructure. He also announced that 100 new schools in tea garden areas will be inaugurated soon.
The government has also increased teacher recruitment. Approximately 70 percent of current teachers in government schools are under 45 years old, indicating a younger teaching workforce.