Assam Government Initiates Restoration of Flood-Damaged Educational Institutions

Restoration Efforts Underway in Jorhat

Jorhat, Aug 5: The Assam government has commenced efforts to restore educational facilities that were impacted by recent floods in Upper Assam. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu has announced a range of support measures, including financial aid, infrastructure repairs, and academic assistance for students as the state evaluates the extent of the damage.

During a review meeting held at the Jorhat District Commissioner's Office on Tuesday, Pegu instructed officials from the Education Department to conduct detailed assessments of the damage at each institution and to expedite the restoration process to allow classes to resume as soon as possible.

Officials reported that the floods had affected 360 educational institutions in Jorhat district alone, with 125 schools and colleges experiencing significant damage.

The review focused on evaluating the condition of school buildings, classrooms, furniture, libraries, computer labs, and teaching materials, while also discussing strategies to restore normal academic operations.

After the meeting, Pegu stated that the floods had severely impacted educational institutions across Jorhat, Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Golaghat districts.

In addition to structural damage, many schools lost libraries, computer labs, furniture, textbooks, and vital academic records. Numerous students also lost their textbooks, uniforms, and other essential learning materials.

"We have already distributed textbooks and uniforms to the students affected by the floods. We are also considering providing one-time financial assistance for those who have incurred losses. Students whose important academic documents were destroyed will be able to obtain replacements at no cost," the minister explained.

Pegu mentioned that the Chief Minister had allocated Rs 2 lakh for each affected school, but acknowledged that institutions with extensive damage would need further financial support.

"For some schools, Rs 2 lakh will suffice for repairs. However, many institutions have lost computer labs, libraries, furniture, and other critical infrastructure. We will evaluate their needs and provide additional assistance as necessary to expedite the rebuilding process," he added.

He assured that repair grants would be prioritized to restore damaged educational institutions and minimize disruptions to students' education.

"Our main goal is to restore every affected school as quickly as possible. Where necessary, we will also implement digital learning methods to ensure students do not miss out on their education. While learning gaps at the lower primary level can be addressed relatively quickly, we are particularly focused on restoring classes for students in Classes IX, X, XI, and XII as soon as possible," Pegu stated.

Regarding the planned reopening of schools on August 9, the minister noted that several institutions in Jorhat are still functioning as relief camps for families affected by the floods.

"We will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis. Schools that continue to serve as relief camps will be managed appropriately, while ensuring that students' academic interests are safeguarded," he added.

During the meeting, Pegu instructed officials to compile precise, data-driven reports on every affected school and college to ensure that no institution is overlooked in the restoration efforts.

He also directed the Education Department to develop a comprehensive restoration plan and to rationalize teacher deployment as educational institutions gradually return to normal operations.