GUWAHATI: The Assam government has declared that following the Assembly elections, new policies for appointing teachers and Grade IV employees in schools will be implemented by 2026. This was announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday, November 28.
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Speaking at an event in Guwahati on Thursday, Sarma emphasised the need to prioritise local employment, addressing concerns that traditional recruitment methods often disadvantage local candidates. “To ensure local opportunities, school principals will seek to directly employ residents for Grade IV positions,” he said.
Sarma also went on to add that the policy would extend to schools, hospitals, and other institutions, and that this decentralised recruitment system will help in reserving such positions for the locals.
Also, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu had earlier stated that Grade IV positions in schools would be outsourced, with a preference for local candidates. But while the government focuses on future policies, discontent is brewing among teachers affected by past decisions.
The Sadou Axom Pradeshikrito Shikshanusthanor Pora Banchito Shikshak Karmaschari Santha held a press meet on Thursday, highlighting the plight of nearly 5,800 teachers left jobless due to the Assam Education (Provincialisation of Services of Teachers and Re-organisation of Educational Institutions) Act, 2017. The act led to the closure or merger of numerous schools, impacting teachers’ livelihoods.
The group submitted a memorandum of grievances to the Chief Minister on September 5 but claims no action has been taken. Frustrated, they have warned of protests if their demands are not addressed within 10 days.
