Assam to resume classes in flood-hit districts from Aug 10, alternative arrangements for damaged schools

Guwahati, Aug 6 (AHN) The Assam government has decided to resume classroom teaching in flood-affected districts, including Sivasagar and Charaideo, from August 10, while making alternative arrangements for students whose schools remain inaccessible or damaged following the recent floods.

State Education Minister Ranoj Pegu said on Thursday that the decision has been taken to minimise academic disruption and ensure that students can return to learning even as restoration work continues at several educational institutions affected by the floods.

Pegu acknowledged that reopening every school simultaneously would not be possible, particularly in areas where campuses remain submerged, waterlogged or covered with mud and debris.

Schools that are not yet fit to accommodate students will remain closed until conditions improve.

However, students enrolled in these institutions will be provided temporary facilities to continue their education.

The Minister said that classes could be organised at relief camps in severely affected locations, allowing students to attend lessons until their respective school buildings are cleaned and restored.

Another arrangement being considered involves accommodating students from damaged or inaccessible institutions at nearby schools that are ready to function from August 10.

The measure is expected to help prevent prolonged disruption to the academic calendar in areas that have witnessed extensive damage during the floods.

Pegu said the state government is working towards restoring normal teaching activities gradually and preparing affected school premises for reopening at the earliest.

Several schools across Sivasagar and Charaideo have been impacted by floodwaters, leaving classrooms and campuses requiring extensive cleaning before students can safely return.

The Education Department's phased reopening strategy seeks to balance the need to restore regular classroom teaching with challenges on the ground, particularly in areas where floodwaters have only recently receded.

The state government has maintained that students should not lose further classroom time because of the disaster and that temporary learning arrangements will continue wherever regular school infrastructure remains unavailable.