GUWAHATI: In a bid to ensure that transportation challenges do not prevent children from attending school, the Assam government has launched a Transport/Escort Facility for students residing in tea garden areas across the state.
The initiative, announced by Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, came into effect on Wednesday, June 10, under the aegis of Samagra Shiksha Assam. The programme aims to provide safe and free transport or escort facilities to students from Classes I to X belonging to deprived and marginalised communities living in tea garden areas.
According to the minister, the scheme is expected to benefit 9,714 students studying in 198 schools spread across 11 districts of Assam. The facility will remain operational from June 10, 2026, to March 31, 2027, excluding July 2026.
Under the programme, a financial assistance of ₹5,400 per student will be provided for the academic year to facilitate transportation arrangements. The initiative will be implemented through School Management Committees (SMCs) and School Management and Development Committees (SMDCs), which will oversee local transport and escort arrangements based on the needs of students in their respective areas.
The move is aimed at addressing one of the key barriers to education in tea garden regions, where many children face difficulties commuting to schools due to distance, lack of transport facilities, and challenging terrain.
The initiative is expected to improve regular school attendance, reduce absenteeism, and support the state's efforts to ensure equitable access to education for children from socially and economically disadvantaged communities.