75 years post independence, high schools sanctioned at Assam tea estates

SONITPUR: Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Assam Chief Minister inaugurated six Adarsha Vidyalayas (Model School) at various tea estates of Assam's Sonitpur district.

He stated, "14,594 students have so far enrolled in the newly started Adarsha Vidyalayas across 96 tea garden areas in Assam" and that the government was prioritising "access to education".

96 Model Schools have been established in the tea gardens, making this the first time since independence that high schools have been founded here. Setting up of these schools are a part of the Assam government's decision to start 119 model schools in the area. Adarsha Vidyalayas in Naharani Tea Estate, Phulbari and Thakurbari Tea Estates in Sonitpur have already been inaugurated by the CM.

The chief minister announced that the newly established schools would be named after eminent personalities like Swahid Mangri Orang, Loknayak Omeo Kumar Das and Swahid Hemlal Kalindi, who belonged to various socio-cultural backgrounds. He added, "These schools will give a huge boost to education and ensure a holistic development of the Tea community."

"Starting as high schools, Adarsha Vidyalayas will offer HS courses next year. While eight teachers have been appointed in each school, around 15,000 students have been enrolled. From next year, these Adarsha Vidyalayas will impart Mathematics and Science lessons in English, while Social Science and Assamese will be taught in Assamese. This will enable the students to learn in their mother language and also help them explore the world," he said in a tweet.

Sarma has promised financial aid of Rs 1 lakh to each of these schools and are to be used to provide textbooks, uniforms, mid-day meal, etc to the children, free of cost. He also urged the parents/ guardians of children belonging to the plantations to send them to these schools.