Project Approval Board moots measures for quality education in Assam

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The PAB (Project Approval Board) of the Union Ministry of Education has suggested a few measures for the quality of education in Assam.

The PAB had its meeting recently to consider the annual work plan and budget of SSA (Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan), Assam. The board highlighted a few points at the meeting. The PAB found that the school dropout rate at the secondary level in Assam is more than 30 per cent in 19 districts. The PAB feels that the state needs to take adequate measures to reduce the dropout rate and improve the retention rate.

The PAB found that the transition from secondary to higher secondary level in the state has declined from 54.3 (boys) and 48.3 (girls) in 2019-20 to 54.3 (boys) and 47.3 (girls) in 2020-21. The PAB feels that the state needs to take steps to improve the transition rate from secondary to higher secondary levels.

The PAB found that the retention rate at the primary level in the state is as low as 79 per cent. The board feels that the state needs to take initiatives for a 100 per cent retention rate for children in the education system.

The subject PTR (pupil-teacher ratio) in the state at the secondary level is 77.4 per cent having teachers for all core subjects. Subject PTR at the secondary level is 30 per cent for language, 90 per cent for mathematics, 62 per cent for science and 44 per cent for social studies. The PAB says the state needs to ensure the availability of core subject teachers in all schools.

The PAB also found that the mainstreaming of out-of-school children in the state is low. "The state needs to identify children affected with migration," the PAB said.

The PAB also feels the necessity of filling up the vacant posts of teachers from elementary to secondary schools on a priority basis. The board found that the state has both schools with surplus teachers and single-teacher schools at the primary level. The board suggests rationalization of teachers' strength in all schools.

PAB has suggested to the State government to construct 21 type-IV KGBV (Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya) school buildings in the state. The construction of the school buildings was due between 2011 and 2020.

The PAB has also urged the State government to ensure timely identification for wider coverage and requisite intervention and support to ensure inclusive education for children with disabilities.

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