Guwahati (Assam) [India], November 9 (HBTV): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday presented appointment letters to 5,550 TET-qualified candidates for the posts of Lower Primary and upper primary teachers at a function held at the Veterinary College Playground in Khanapara, Guwahati.
According to an official release, 3,800 candidates have been appointed as Lower Primary teachers and 1,750 as Upper Primary teachers. At the same event, the Chief Minister also distributed 8,799 mobile tablets among teachers under the Shikshak Samal Package and launched the distribution of 4,280 tablets among students under the Aarohan Scheme.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma recalled that during the last election, he had promised to provide one lakh government jobs if his party came to power. He noted that before him, 14 Chief Ministers had served Assam, but none of the previous governments had made more than 20,000 to 25,000 appointments. He added that even after appointments, corruption allegations, court cases, and administrative complications often delayed job security and salaries.
The Chief Minister said that since the 1980s, the process of obtaining government jobs in Assam had been complex due to political favouritism and irregularities.
‘As a result, many recruitment drives ended up in court or administrative wrangles. Hence, when I promised to provide one lakh jobs, even the opposition and some within the government called it unrealistic,’ Sarma said.
Remaining firm on his commitment, he formed a cabinet committee after assuming office to examine and execute this mission.
‘After several rounds of discussions, the government identified that the education, health, and police departments required a large number of teachers, doctors, nurses, and police personnel. The government has so far been able to appoint 1,21,243 candidates during its tenure,’ he added.
‘With an additional 5,550 appointments in the teaching sector, the total number of appointments has now increased to 1,26,793. Because the recruitment process was completely transparent and merit-based, there was no dissatisfaction or legal challenge against it. The government has already surpassed its one lakh job target and will soon cross the 1.5 lakh mark,’ the Chief Minister said.
He observed that even the opposition no longer questions the recruitment process in the Assembly.
‘The corruption and nepotism once common in government appointments are now over. The youth of Assam now firmly believe that they can earn government jobs through merit and hard work. Those who do not get such jobs are also being supported through self-employment opportunities under various government welfare schemes,’ Sarma said.
Referring to the semiconductor project in Jagiroad, he noted that Assam is witnessing rapid industrial growth from Namrup to Chapar, with projects such as the Namrup Fertiliser Plant, Numaligarh Bio-Refinery, Jagiroad Semiconductor Project, and Chapar Thermal Power Project expected to transform the state’s industrial landscape.
‘These industries require skilled human resources, and therefore, the government is appointing trained teachers,’ he said.
He urged the newly appointed teachers to take their responsibilities seriously and contribute to building a strong and stable education system that inspires hope among students.
Sarma further highlighted the State government’s major educational reforms, including the construction of new high schools, establishment of schools in tea gardens, creation of women’s colleges in remote areas, and founding of several new universities. He cited the foundation of Shaheed Kanaklata Barua State University in Gohpur as an example of the state’s educational progress.
The Chief Minister added that the present government has taken the lead in setting up 16 new universities, significantly expanding educational infrastructure and teaching opportunities.
He stated that since assuming charge as Education Minister in 2012, more than 1.5 lakh teachers have been appointed through a transparent and fair process, inspiring confidence and motivation among the youth. He also observed that government education in Assam has seen a major turnaround, with many students returning to government schools.
Congratulating the newly appointed teachers, Sarma reminded them of society’s high expectations. He urged them to teach with sincerity, integrity, and a sense of responsibility, becoming role models for others. He also encouraged them to care for their parents and, if possible, enrol their own children in the schools where they teach.
The event was attended by Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, Public Health Engineering Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, Handloom, Textiles and Sericulture Minister U G Brahma, Chief Executive Member of the Mising Autonomous Council Parmananda Chayengia, Chairperson of the State Council of Educational Research and Training Nirada Devi, and other senior government officials.
(ANI)