Sonowal presents appointment letters to 29,701 teachers

Guwahati, Feb 5 (HS): Creating a precedent in the history of state’s education sector, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, in presence of Dr.Himanta Biswa Sarma, presented appointment letters to 29,701 teachers at a programme held at Sarusajai Sports Complex here today.

It may be noted that in the biggest ever appointment letter distribution event in a single day, 16484 teachers were given appointment for provincializing their schools and 13, 217 TET teachers also got appointment by virtue of their merits. With this appointment, shortage of teachers in the educational institutions would be addressed to a great extent.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister Sonowal said that the appointment to 29,701 teachers is a testimony of the State government’s keen interests to bring about qualitative improvement in the education sector. True to the announcements made in the Independence Day speech regarding appointment of 50 thousand teachers, today’s appointment of thousands of teachers is a huge stride taken towards fulfilling the promise of the State government. Sonowal, therefore, thanked Education Minister Dr.Himanta Biswa Sarma for his leadership. Hailing the transparent process adopted in recruiting the teachers, Sonowal said that the procedure adopted for the appointment is the reflection to merits of the teachers.

The Chief Minister said that the newly appointed teachers must shoulder the responsibility to develop the youth as quality human resource who could shine in the global job market. Sonowal termed the teachers as the architect of the future of the younger generation and urged them to suitably guide the students to be successful in every competition of their life.

Stating that the Assam government since coming to power took up a number of initiatives to improve academic scenario of the State, the Chief Minister highlighted several schemes presently being implemented in the education sector. He also called for united efforts of teachers, parents and students for creating positive academic environment and urged them to perform their responsibilities with dedication and sincerity.

The Chief Minister said that large number of students of the State used to go to other parts of the country earlier to pursue higher education as there was a dearth of such institutions in Assam. He further said that State government’s steps for increasing the number of higher educational institutions including medical and engineering colleges, universities, AIIMS, Indian Agricultural Research Institution, National Institute of Design etc., significantly helped the students.

Moreover, saying that the Act East Policy of the Union Government opened floodgates of opportunities for the youth to make successful inroad into the south-east Asian market, Chief Minister Sonowal informed that the Ambassador of Japan would soon visit Assam which would give a major boost to skill development and job creation in the State.

Minister of Education Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma in his speech said that the present Assam government brought about qualitative changes in the education sector and teachers’ appointment in the State. Sarma also urged people not to venture into opening any new school in the State saying that it was the duty of the government to take forward the youth in the field of knowledge and wisdom. He further said that even though several thousand teachers were appointed today, sizable number of posts still remained out of the purview of provincialization and the government would positively consider the matter. He also announced that in next 10-15 days, another five thousand teachers would be appointed by the government.

Sarma also informed that since 2016 State government appointed 71,765 teachers in schools. Allaying the misconception of a section of teachers, Sarma said that those teachers who got appointed by virtue of provincialisation of their schools would be entitled to at least a minimum gratuity of Rs. 10 lakh even if they retire from their service within a short period of their appointment.

Speaking at the occasion Minister of State for Education Bhabesh Kalita said that State government has performed in sync with its promises. Stating that 5th February 2021 will be etched as the golden day in the history of education department, the minister said that it would mark as an advent of a remarkable beginning in the annals of education in the state.

Principal Secretary, Education, B. Kalyan Chakravarty gave the welcome address in the programme which was also attended, among others, by Commissioner and Secretary Education PreetomSaikia, Mission Director Rashtriya Ucchator Siksha Abhiyan Dipak Majumdar, Chairman SEBA Ramesh Chand Jain, Director Higher Education Gitimoni Phukan.