In an effort to restore normalcy in schools affected by this year’s floods, the Assam government on Thursday began dispatching free textbooks to students in Charaideo, Sivasagar and parts of Jorhat. The first shipment was flagged off by Education Minister Ranoj Pegu from the Assam State Textbook Production and Publication Corporation Ltd. (ASTPPC) warehouse at Bonda in Guwahati.
The initial consignment includes 1,41,719 textbooks, which will be delivered through seven trucks to benefit 1,12,843 students whose studies were disrupted by the floods. Officials said the three districts have a combined student population of over 1.5 lakh, with an estimated requirement of 8,98,231 textbooks for Classes I to XII.
Addressing the media, Pegu said the first shipment fulfils nearly 15 per cent of the total demand and confirmed that additional consignments would follow in the coming days. He stated that the government is working to ensure every affected student receives the required textbooks as early as possible.
The minister also appealed to district administrations to oversee the safe receipt, storage and timely distribution of the books so that students can return to their studies without further interruption.
According to Pegu, the Assam State Textbook Production and Publication Corporation has expedited the printing process for books that were not readily available. Freshly printed textbooks will be dispatched immediately after production to complete the distribution exercise.
Sharing the update on X, the minister said the initiative is being implemented under the guidance of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He added that ASTPPC completed the printing of the first batch in a short time to support students affected by the floods and ensure the academic session remains on track.
The Education Department has confirmed that the distribution campaign will continue until all eligible students in the affected districts receive a full set of textbooks, helping schools resume regular academic activities with minimal disruption.
