Guwahati (Assam) [India], December 16 (HBTV): Assam Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu on Monday launched an Automated SMS Alert System aimed at reducing student absenteeism across schools in the state.
The Department of School Education, Assam, through the Shiksha Setu application, tracks daily attendance for teachers and students. A study conducted by UNICEF has observed that student absenteeism occurs due to various factors, including family-related issues and a lack of parental awareness. To address these challenges and improve attendance, the department has introduced a state-of-the-art Automated SMS-Based Absenteeism Alert System.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr Pegu said the technology-driven system is a crucial step towards strengthening student attendance, promoting educational continuity, and enabling timely and focused interventions to mitigate dropout risks across schools in Assam.
According to the Department of School Education, the system will trigger standardised SMS notifications for students who remain continuously absent for five consecutive days. Alerts will be generated automatically at fixed five-day intervals, including the fifth, tenth and fifteenth days of absence, and will continue until the student resumes attendance, ensuring sustained engagement between families and schools.
In a press statement, the department said the alerts are customised and will be sent simultaneously to key stakeholders. Class teachers will receive focused messages mentioning the concerned student’s name, class and section, enabling them to contact parents, while parents or guardians will receive direct reminders regarding their child’s continued absence, prompting corrective action.
The statement further noted that, in recognition of Assam’s linguistic diversity, SMS alerts will be delivered in five official languages—Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Hindi and English. To maximise reach and comprehension, messages in each district will be sent in at least two relevant local languages, based on geographical and demographic profiles. (ANI)