The minister said 676 government schools in Assam do not have electricity connections, while 283 schools are yet to be equipped with toilet facilities for boys. The figures were made public through a post on social media platform X on Tuesday, highlighting the challenges that remain in strengthening educational infrastructure across the state.

According to the data shared by the minister, Assam currently has 44,243 government schools. While a majority of institutions have access to essential amenities, a significant number still require infrastructure upgrades to ensure a better learning environment for students.

Pegu said the state government has set a target of providing all necessary basic facilities in government schools by March 2027. The objective includes expanding electricity access, improving sanitation facilities and addressing other infrastructure gaps that affect daily school operations.

Electricity remains one of the key concerns identified by the Education Department. Of the 44,243 government schools, 676 are functioning without any form of electricity connection. To address the issue, the state government has earmarked ₹4 crore in the current financial year for electrification projects in these institutions.

Officials believe that access to electricity is increasingly important for schools as classrooms become more dependent on digital learning tools, electronic equipment and technology-enabled teaching methods. Lack of power supply can limit the use of educational resources and affect overall learning outcomes, particularly in remote areas.

The minister also pointed out that not all schools without conventional electricity are completely deprived of power. A total of 643 government schools currently rely on solar energy systems for their electricity needs. These installations have been introduced to ensure that basic requirements such as lighting and operation of essential equipment can continue even in areas where regular grid connectivity is unavailable.

The sanitation situation presents a mixed picture. According to the Education Department, all government schools in Assam now have toilet facilities for girls, marking a significant milestone in efforts to improve school hygiene and encourage student attendance.

However, infrastructure gaps remain for boys. The minister said 283 schools still do not have dedicated toilet facilities for male students. Construction work to address the shortfall has already been initiated under the current financial year, with authorities aiming to complete the pending projects within the planned timeline.

Education experts have long highlighted the importance of sanitation facilities in schools, noting that access to clean and functional toilets plays a crucial role in student health, attendance and overall educational outcomes. Adequate sanitation infrastructure is also considered essential for creating a safe and inclusive learning environment.

The latest figures come as several states across India continue to focus on improving public school infrastructure through targeted investments in classrooms, sanitation, electricity and digital education facilities.

For Assam, the challenge now lies in ensuring that the remaining infrastructure gaps are closed within the timeline announced by the government. With electrification projects and toilet construction already underway, officials are expected to closely monitor implementation progress over the coming months.

The state government maintains that achieving universal access to basic amenities in government schools remains a priority as it works toward its March 2027 target.

Centre Empowers Parents in 15 Lakh Govt Schools Overhaul

New Delhi, May 8: In a bold push to reshape school governance, the Centre is handing over management of around 15 lakh government schools to parent-led committees starting May 2026.

Parent Committees Gain Control

The Ministry of Education has rolled out sweeping guidelines under NEP 2020 and RTE Act 2009, placing school budgets and development directly under School Management Committees (SMCs). Parents will now call the shots on key decisions, turning schools into true community assets.

Initial reports from sources in the ministry indicate these SMCs can greenlight construction up to ₹30 lakh without PWD nod. That's a game-changer for fixing leaky roofs or building toilets without bureaucratic delays.

Joint Bank Accounts for Funds

Financial power gets a major upgrade. School bank accounts will run jointly—headteacher and SMC chairperson, who's a parent rep. No money moves without both signatures. This aims to plug leakages that have plagued rural schools for years.

Schools can now tap CSR funds from private firms too. Officials say this could bring in extra resources for labs or playgrounds, especially in underserved districts.

Social Audits Go Mandatory

Transparency takes centre stage with mandatory annual social audits alongside regular government checks. Every rupee spent must go up on the school notice board for public scrutiny. It's a zero-tolerance push—SMCs can rope in police or health departments for quick action on irregularities.

Local education officers in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have already started briefings, per sources familiar with the rollout.

Three-Year Development Plans

Committees will draft a School Development Plan (SDP) every three years, with yearly reviews of infrastructure and teaching setups. This isn't just paperwork; it's meant to track real progress, from desks to digital tools.

The structure keeps it parent-heavy: 75% members are parents, 50% women, and the rest teachers, local panchayat reps, alumni, or educationists. Elections every two years, monthly meetings—no skipping.

Background to the Big Shift

This overhaul builds on NEP's community focus, addressing long-standing complaints about crumbling school facilities. A 2024 CAG report flagged delays in 40% of PWD projects; now parents bypass that.

In places like Bhopal or rural Madhya Pradesh, where teacher shortages bite hard, ground reports suggest excitement mixed with skepticism. Will cash-strapped villages manage ₹30 lakh projects?

Impact on Students, Communities

For 12 crore kids in govt schools, this could mean faster fixes and better accountability. But challenges loom—training for SMCs, especially in remote areas. States have until June to align, ministry sources confirmed late Thursday.

Public reaction trickled in overnight on social media, with parent groups hailing it as "empowerment at last." Critics worry about elite parents dominating.

What's Next for Rollout

Guidelines hit states next week. Pilot runs in 5,000 schools could start by July. Education Minister is expected to brief Parliament soon. If it sticks, this govt schools overhaul might just redefine education from the ground up.