Reforms in education will be a thrust area: New AASU GS

* Agenda will also comprise all burning issues of State: Sankor Jyoti Baruah

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The primary thrust areas of AASU (All Assam Students' Union) will be reforms in the Education sector as well as all the burning issues of Assam, said the new general secretary of AASU (All Assam Students' Union) Sankor Jyoti Baruah after assuming charges in Gauhati University on Monday.

Baruah told The Sentinel, "The traditional classroom teaching-and-learning processes have been hit hard during the Coronavirus-induced pandemic. We've also noticed how it failed in several significant areas. Besides, the online mode of teaching has not been able to reach out to all the students. The most affected sections are the ones who do not possess smart mobiles or which may be due to the lack of connectivity. Mention may be also made of the students in the rural areas as well as those who hail from the economically-challenged families.

"We have learnt from this. Now, we'll have to find out a long-term alternative to the traditional education system. All stakeholders will be involved to chart out this roadmap. Besides, curricula in tune with the present needs of the society must be introduced. There is also a need to discuss the new 'National Education Policy'."

The student leader added, "Our agenda will include the clause-wise implementation of the Assam Accord in a time-bound manner, and sealing of the Indo-Bangladesh border. We'll also pressurize the government to find out a permanent solution to the flood and erosion problems of the State. Besides, the AASU will further intensify the movement against CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act)."

On the NRC (National Register of Citizens), Baruah added, "The decision to update the NRC was taken following a tripartite discussion among the AASU, the Centre and the State government on May 5, 2005 in New Delhi. But it is quite unfortunate that the people of Assam have not got an error-free NRC even after 15 years. Only the error-free NRC can be the ideal tool to identify the illegal migrants.

"The NRC that was published on August 31, 2019 has errors. Hence, we've already moved the Supreme Court against it."

When asked as to whether the new central executive body of the students' organization would strictly follow the three-year term, Baruah replied, "Definitely. The three-year term has been agreed upon; and the AASU Constitution was accordingly amended during the four-day Duliajan conference from November 18 to 21.

"It has been also ensured that each AASU member must be below 40 years of his/her age. Moreover, to become a member of the next central committee of AASU after three years, the member concerned must be a graduate."

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