Schools shut in flood-hit districts

Guwahati: Hundreds of schools in several districts of the state have been shut and the Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) has expressed concern over the fate of students as floods pound the state.

While classes have become irregular in schools in the flood-affected districts, the prospect of cancellation of classes for an indefinite period is looming large as many more schools in the affected areas are set to turn into relief camps.

With the Brahmaputra swelling, students of the 5,000-odd schools on the river bank are staring at an uncertain future.

Every year, floods paralyze normal functioning of schools in the districts. ASCPCR president Runumi Gogoi on Friday asked the state education authorities and the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) to find a permanent solution to the problem.

"The authorities concerned should come up with a plan for making alternative arrangement to hold classes during crisis. The hostel available with SSA can be an alternative in such situations," said Runumi Gogoi.

School children often go missing and become victims of trafficking when schools remain closed for an indefinite period, she added.

State primary school teachers' association has asked the government to make arrangements in highlands near schools to hold classes and not to use any school as flood relief camps.

"Community halls or other shelters should be set up by the government for the victims," said Jiban Chandra Borah, president of Asom Rajyik Prathamik Sikshak Sanmilani.