Guwahati, Jan 4: Assam is emerging as a frontrunner in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, said Education Minister Ranoj Pegu during an event in Guwahati on Saturday.

Speaking at a function to distribute financial assistance to families of 26 deceased teachers, the minister emphasized Assam’s leadership and proactive approach to adopting the NEP.
“We are leading from the front in implementing NEP, which requires courage and commitment,” Pegu said. “The education department is determined to ensure its implementation in both letter and spirit,” he also said.

Pegu distributed appointment letters to 13 DIET lecturers and financial grants to 26 families of teachers who passed away during service. Highlighting disparities, he noted that while primary teachers under the Sarba Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) received ₹5 lakh grants upon death during service, secondary contractual teachers were excluded. Following his appeal to the Chief Minister, funds from the CM’s discretionary budget were used to address this gap.

Teacher training is central to NEP implementation. Pegu announced initiatives to fortify District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs), including establishing DIETs in newly created districts. The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) ensured transparency in lecturer appointments, and it has now appointed 13 lecturers.

“Efforts are underway to regularize the jobs of 8,000 contractual teachers appointed since 2010. Teachers under SSA, divided into state pool and SSA categories, are also being assured job security and extended benefits,” he said.

The minister said the NEP emphasizes creative and joyful learning processes, incorporating cultural, environmental, and health-focused activities. Initiatives like the PM Poshan scheme and the Amrit Brikhya Andolan aim to improve nutrition, health, and environmental awareness among students. The policy also underscores the importance of sports and co-curricular activities for holistic development.

He said over 1 lakh teachers have been trained under the NEP framework, with continued efforts planned for 2024.

PM Poshan Scheme currently benefits 35,841 students across 43,219 schools, focusing on nutrition and health.

Pegu encouraged incorporating local history into the curriculum, such as essay-writing competitions on Assamese hero Lachit Borphukan. He also stressed the importance of climate education and biodiversity conservation to tackle pressing global challenges.
Pegu concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to holistic education.

“Education goes beyond books and exams—it encompasses overall development, health, and environmental responsibility. The NEP has laid the foundation for this transformative approach.”

The minister also urged the teachers to cooperate with the first phase of Gunotsav which will begin on January 6.

The minister also released a report card on the status of various schemes undertaken by the SSA.

The programme was attended by SSA mission director Om Prakash, education secretary Narayan Konwar, director of secondary education Mamata Hojai, and SCERT director Niroda Devi.

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