New SMS Alert System Launched to Combat Student Absenteeism in Guwahati

In an effort to combat student absenteeism and prevent dropouts, Guwahati's Department of School Education has launched an automated SMS alert system through the Shiksha Setu application. This initiative aims to improve attendance by sending notifications to parents and teachers when a student is absent for five consecutive days. The alerts will be available in multiple languages to ensure effective communication across diverse communities. This significant step is expected to foster better engagement between schools and families, ultimately enhancing educational continuity in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 17, 2025, 09:32 IST

Introduction of Automated Absenteeism Alerts

Guwahati, Dec 17: To tackle the issue of student absenteeism and minimize dropout rates, the Department of School Education has introduced an automated SMS alert system via the Shiksha Setu application.

This tech-driven initiative is designed to enhance student attendance and facilitate timely interventions from both schools and parents, as stated by State Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu during a press conference today.

A study by UNICEF highlights that absenteeism is often linked to family issues and a lack of parental awareness. The new system aims to mitigate these problems by providing ongoing monitoring and swift communication.

As part of this initiative, automated SMS notifications will be sent out when a student is absent for five consecutive days. Alerts will be dispatched at regular intervals—on the 5th, 10th, 15th day, and so forth—continuing until the student returns to school.

These alerts will be sent to both class teachers and parents or guardians simultaneously. Teachers will receive detailed messages including the student’s name, class, and section, enabling them to follow up directly with families. Meanwhile, parents will get brief reminders regarding their child's extended absence, prompting them to encourage their return to school.

To maximize outreach and ensure effective communication, the SMS alerts will be available in five official languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Hindi, and English. In each district, messages will be tailored to include at least two local languages based on the area's linguistic and demographic characteristics.

The Minister emphasized that this initiative represents a crucial advancement in promoting educational continuity and strengthening the collaboration between schools and parents throughout the State.