Guwahati: Questions have been raised over the functioning of Assam’s school education system after Class 6 students of several government schools in Guwahati reportedly appeared for their half-yearly examinations without receiving textbooks for multiple subjects. The issue has reportedly affected students of Noonmati High School and Guwahati Refinery Higher Secondary School, where some textbooks are yet to reach students even after several months of the academic session. According to complaints from parents, students had to appear for their examinations without access to textbooks for certain subjects. Parents expressed concern that the shortage had affected the students’ preparation and could have an adverse impact on their academic performance.
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The delay has also drawn criticism from the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), which questioned why students had not received the required textbooks despite a substantial part of the academic year having already passed. The development has raised concerns over the distribution of textbooks in government schools and the implementation of the system meant to ensure that students receive learning materials at the beginning of the academic session.
According to the Samagra Shiksha Axom website, free textbooks are an entitlement for students up to Class VIII in elementary-level government schools, and the books are intended to be distributed at the school level at the beginning of the academic session. The issue has also renewed concerns among parents about the quality of education in government schools, with delays in providing basic learning materials potentially affecting confidence in the system. The Education Department’s response to the complaints is awaited.
