The state government has stepped forward with financial assistance. On Friday, the Department of School Education and Samagra Shiksha Assam aid programs provided Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of deceased contractual employees. Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu distributed the cheques during a somber event at the State Mission Office in Guwahati. This gesture acknowledges the invaluable contributions these individuals made to the academic growth of the state.
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The recent distribution focused on the families of 46 deceased staff members who served under the Samagra Shiksha framework. These employees worked in various roles, including assistant teachers, grade-IV staff, and resource persons. Furthermore, the initiative highlights the government’s promise to stand by those who work on a contractual basis. By providing this Samagra Shiksha Assam aid, the state ensures that the dependents of these workers have a financial safety net during difficult times.
Dr. Ranoj Pegu emphasized that these teachers were an essential part of the educational system. Many of these educators were originally recruited during the tenure of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as Education Minister. Although contractual roles often lack pension schemes, the government remains committed to their welfare. Consequently, the Samagra Shiksha Assam aid serves as a vital ex-gratia payment for families who lost their primary breadwinners while in service.
The program covered families from several districts, including Baksa, Cachar, Dibrugarh, and Nagaon. Minister Pegu noted that since 2018–19, the government has provided over Rs 18 crore in total assistance to 374 families. This consistent support shows a long-term vision for teacher security in the Northeast. Moreover, the department is working to process more cases as soon as the necessary documentation is complete. This focus on efficiency ensures that no eligible family is left behind.
In addition to financial help, the government is also making efforts to regularize thousands of contractual positions. This broader reform aims to provide permanent job security to those currently serving in the state pool. Therefore, the Samagra Shiksha Assam aid is just one part of a larger plan to strengthen the teaching workforce. When teachers feel secure, the quality of education in government schools naturally improves.
In conclusion, the distribution of Rs 5 lakh to bereaved families is a compassionate and necessary step. It honors the memory of those who dedicated their lives to the children of Assam. As the state continues to modernize its education department, such welfare measures build trust and stability. The government’s proactive approach ensures that the legacy of these educators continues to support their families even in their absence.
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