Vernacular Medium Schools Face Closure in Assam

Assam's government-run vernacular medium schools are facing systematic closure, with over 3,000 schools - including 2,774 elementary and 206 secondary institutions - merged over the past five years. The latest notification targets 214 schools in Sonitpur district, including three historic institutions established in memory of 1942 Quit India Movement martyrs.

The closures particularly affect Bodo and Assamese medium schools, raising concerns about the future of indigenous language education in the state. Critics point to additional problems including poor-quality uniforms and delayed distribution of Bodo medium textbooks as evidence of declining support for vernacular education.

While authorities cite improved *Gross Access Ratio* and declining dropout rates as justification, local activists argue the government should instead strengthen vernacular schools by improving infrastructure and recruiting adequate teachers. The All Assam Students' Union warns that the merger drive effectively dismantles state-funded vernacular education, threatening the development of Assamese and tribal languages.

The controversy highlights tensions between administrative rationalization and preserving linguistic diversity through accessible mother-tongue education.