APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (04/09/2025)
For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, staying updated with current affairs is vital. This blog covers most important topics from the Assam Tribune today (04-09-2025). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
✨ APSC CCE Online Coaching, 2026
🚨 MHA Order on “Persecuted Minorities” & Assam: Citizenship, Migration and the Accord — What Changes, What Doesn’t
📘 APSC GS Paper 2: Polity & Governance | Citizenship, Federal Issues
📘 APSC GS Paper 5 (Assam): Assam Accord, Immigration, Identity & Society
🔹 Introduction
The Union Home Ministry issued the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025 allowing members of specified “persecuted minority” communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who entered on or before December 31, 2024 to stay in India even without valid documents. In Assam, this sparked sharp political reactions because it intersects with the Assam Accord (1985) and the state’s longstanding concerns over migration and identity.
🔑 Key Points (What the Assam Tribune report says)
What’s new: MHA’s exemption permits stay for eligible minorities up to 31 Dec 2024 entry, relaxing passport/visa requirements.
Political reactions in Assam:
AASU and opposition leaders warn the order violates the spirit of the Assam Accord (cut-off tied to 24 March 1971).
The ruling side argues it only gives temporary protection and aligns with CAA intent.
On-ground status of CAA in Assam: CM stated only 3 people have received citizenship in Assam so far under CAA.
Context & verification from authoritative sources:
The order lists Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from the three countries; it exempts them from certain passport/visa rules if they entered on/before Dec 31, 2024. This exemption is about stay/deportation relief, not automatic citizenship. The Indian ExpressThe Times of India
CAA rules were notified on March 11, 2024, operationalizing the 2019 Act. indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in
Assam Accord (Clause 5) ties detection/expulsion and regularisation to 1 Jan 1966–24 Mar 1971 window, making any later cut-off politically sensitive in Assam. Assam Accord
Assam’s “only 3 granted citizenship so far” remark by the CM has been reported contemporaneously. The Times of India
🧠 Prelims Pointers
CAA, 2019: Fast-tracks citizenship for 6 communities from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh who entered on/before Dec 31, 2014 (religious persecution ground). Rules notified Mar 11, 2024. indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in
Immigration & Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025: Exempts specified minorities (entered up to Dec 31, 2024) from certain passport/visa requirements → relief from penal action/deportation, not citizenship. The Indian ExpressThe Times of India
Assam Accord (1985): Cut-off 24 March 1971; arrivals 1966–1971 to be detected/regularised as per law; post-1971 entrants to be expelled. Key to Assam’s migration policy framework. Assam Accord
Section 6A of Citizenship Act: Special provisions for Assam flowing from the Accord. (Know linkage to 24-03-1971 cut-off.) Shankar IAS Parliament
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Why this matters (Significance)
Governance & Federal Sensitivities: Central exemptions vs. state-specific Accord framework—tests Centre–State trust and cooperative federalism.
Humanitarian vs. Legal Balance: Relief for persecuted minorities vs. Assam’s demographic anxieties and resource pressures.
Policy Sequencing: Exemption (stay) ≠ citizenship; applicants must still navigate CAA rules; very few grants so far in Assam indicate limited on-ground impact yet. The Times of Indiaindiancitizenshiponline.nic.in
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Why it’s tricky in Assam |
| Assam Accord Cut-off (24-03-1971) | Any cut-off beyond 1971 raises Accord-violation allegations. Assam Accord |
| Verification & Documentation | Distinguishing eligible “persecuted minorities” vs. other migrants; legacy paperwork is often weak. |
| Social Cohesion & Identity | Perceived dilution of indigenous identity can fuel protests and law-and-order issues. |
| Administrative Capacity | Processing CAA applications, coordinating with FRROs/DMs; slow disposals evident from very low citizenship grants. The Times of India |
| Judicial Scrutiny | CAA and related measures remain litigated/contested, creating uncertainty. (General legal landscape.) |
C. Government Initiatives / Recent Steps
CAA Rules (2024) notified; online application process set up by MHA. indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in
2025 Exemption Order for stay relief up to Dec 31, 2024 entrants; separate notification of designated immigration posts to streamline legal entry/exit (airports, seaports, land ports, select rail). The Indian ExpressDeccan HeraldThe Economic Times
D. Way Ahead (Balanced approach for Assam)
Harmonise with Accord: Issue state-specific SOPs ensuring CAA processing does not undermine 1971 cut-off obligations under Section 6A/Accord; periodic public reporting for transparency.
Targeted Relief + Robust Verification: Dedicated cells for persecution-based claims; strong document vetting; avoid blanket assumptions.
Community Confidence Measures: Consult AASU, student bodies, civil society; invest in local services where settlement occurs to minimise strain.
Data & Timelines: Publish quarterly dashboards on applications, approvals, rejections to reduce rumours and politicisation.
Legal Clarity: Proactive engagement with ongoing litigation; clear FAQs to distinguish exemption from citizenship to curb misinformation. The Indian Express
📚 Quick Sources to Quote in Answers
Assam Tribune report summarising the political fallout in Assam.
MHA’s Gazetteed CAA Rules (Mar 11, 2024). indiancitizenshiponline.nic.in
Exemption Order coverage/clarifications (Indian Express; PTI-based reports). The Indian ExpressDeccan Herald
Assam Accord official portal (Clause 5 cut-off). Assam Accord
Status in Assam (only 3 citizenships so far) reported today. The Times of India
🧩 Conclusion
For Assam, the 2025 Exemption Order is not a citizenship grant but a stay/penalty relief for specified minorities—yet it reignites Accord-era sensitivities because its cut-off (2024) sits far beyond 1971. The prudent path is to synchronise central measures with the Accord’s framework, maintain administrative rigour, and build public trust through transparent data and participatory consultation.
🌍 Climate Change and Snakebite Hotspots in India: New Risks for Assam
📘 GS Paper 3: Environment, Biodiversity & Disaster Management | Public Health
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Health & Environment Challenges in Assam
🔹 Introduction
A new study involving the Dibru-Saikhowa Conservation Society, Assam Agricultural University, and South Korea’s Pukyong National University warns that climate change may expand snakebite-prone areas in India, creating new hotspots in Assam, Manipur, and other states. Snakebite, already a neglected tropical disease (NTD), could worsen as changing rainfall and temperature patterns alter snake habitats. filecite
🔑 Key Points
Snakebite Burden: India already records the highest global deaths from snakebite (approx. 58,000 annually, ICMR data).
Climate Link: Warming and erratic rainfall expand the habitats of the “Big Four” venomous snakes (cobra, krait, Russell’s viper, saw-scaled viper).
Study Findings:
New vulnerable districts identified → Assam (Nagaon, Morigaon, Golaghat), Manipur (Tengnoupal), Rajasthan, Gujarat.
Socioeconomic vulnerabilities and weak rural health infrastructure worsen the risk.
Global Framing: Snakebite deaths concentrated in tropical/subtropical regions; WHO classifies snakebite as a Neglected Tropical Disease.
Public Health Warning: Snakebite is not just a medical issue but also a climate-induced health crisis. filecite
🧠 Prelims Pointers
WHO classification (2017): Snakebite → a Neglected Tropical Disease.
India’s Burden: Highest global share of snakebite deaths (~58,000 per year).
National Programme: India launched a National Action Plan for Snakebite Envenoming (2022).
Big Four Snakes: Cobra (Naja), Krait (Bungarus), Russell’s Viper (Daboia), Saw-scaled Viper (Echis).
Recent Data (ICMR, 2024): Over 1.2 million deaths from snakebites in India between 2000–2019.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance for Assam & NE
High dependence on agriculture and forest livelihoods increases exposure.
Monsoon flooding in Assam leads to frequent snake-human encounters.
Affects vulnerable tribal and rural households lacking access to quick antivenom treatment.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Healthcare Access | Many rural hospitals lack antivenom stocks, ventilators, trained personnel. |
| Awareness Gap | Delayed reporting due to reliance on traditional healers. |
| Climate Variability | Floods + habitat shifts = increased snake intrusion in human settlements. |
| Data Deficiency | Underreporting of snakebites in official health statistics. |
C. Govt. Initiatives
National Action Plan for Snakebite Envenoming (2022): Improve surveillance, awareness, and treatment availability.
WHO Goal: Halve snakebite mortality/morbidity by 2030.
Assam-specific: State health campaigns + successful zero-mortality example at Demow Rural Hospital (Sivasagar) managing 800+ cases with zero deaths for 4 consecutive years. filecite
D. Way Forward
Strengthen Rural Health Infra: Ensure all PHCs stock polyvalent antivenom + ventilator support.
Community Awareness: Local campaigns to encourage early hospital visits instead of faith healers.
Climate-Health Integration: Include snakebite in Assam’s State Action Plan on Climate Change.
Research & Data: Collaborate with ICMR & Assam universities for climate-snakebite modelling.
Disaster Preparedness: Integrate snakebite management into flood and disaster response frameworks.
📊 Sources for Enrichment
Assam Tribune (Sep 4, 2025) report on climate change–snakebite study. filecite
ICMR Study (2020): 1.2 million deaths from snakebites in India (2000–2019).
WHO “Snakebite Envenoming Strategy (2019–2030)”.
National Action Plan for Snakebite Envenoming, Govt. of India (2022).
Assam case study: Demow Rural Hospital → zero snakebite mortality (2021–24). filecite
🧩 Conclusion
Snakebite envenoming, once considered a rural accident, is now emerging as a climate-linked public health challenge. For Assam, where floods and rural exposure are high, integrating snakebite management into climate adaptation and health policy is essential. A combination of community awareness, robust health infra, and climate resilience planning can turn Assam into a model for snakebite prevention and control in India.
🎓 Decline in School Dropout Rates in Assam: A Positive Turn in Education
📘 GS Paper 2: Education | Government Policies & Social Justice
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Human Resource Development | Social Indicators
🔹 Introduction
According to the latest UDISE+ 2024–25 report, Assam has recorded a sharp decline in school dropout rates at all levels of education. Backed by digital reforms, infrastructural improvements, and targeted interventions, this achievement reflects the State’s commitment to quality education and SDG-4 (Ensure inclusive and equitable education for all). filecite
🔑 Key Points (as per Assam Tribune report)
Dropout rates reduced:
Lower primary → 6.2% to 3.8%
Upper primary → 8.2% to 5.0%
Secondary → 25.1% to 17.5% (biggest decline)
Gross Enrolment Ratios improved:
Secondary → 76.7% to 79.6%
Senior Secondary → 37.6% to 43.5%
Retention rates up:
Primary → 77.1% to 78.9%
Secondary → 46.3% to 51.1%
Senior secondary → 24.4% to 28.1%
Transition rates between stages improved:
Lower primary → upper primary: 85% to 90.3%
Upper primary → secondary: 82.6% to 87.3%
Secondary → senior secondary: 52.5% to 61.4%
Infrastructure Gains:
Boys’ toilets: 98.74% (functional 98.59%)
Girls’ toilets: 99.26% (functional 99.18%)
Drinking water: 99.18% schools (functional 98.86%)
Electricity/solar power: 97.86% schools
Libraries/book corners: now 100% coverage
Tech interventions:
Shiksha Setu app for real-time monitoring.
AI-based attendance tracking. filecite
🧠 Prelims Pointers
UDISE+: Unified District Information System for Education Plus → annual data collection on school education in India.
Key Schemes:
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan → integrated scheme for school education.
PM Poshan (Mid-Day Meal) → boosts enrolment & retention.
Digital India initiatives in education (AI-based monitoring).
SDG 4: Ensure inclusive, equitable, quality education and promote lifelong learning by 2030.
RTE Act, 2009: Guarantees free & compulsory education for 6–14 years.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance
Human Capital Development: Higher retention builds a stronger skilled workforce.
Gender Parity: Improved sanitation (girls’ toilets) helps reduce dropout among adolescent girls.
Inclusive Growth: Direct impact on poverty alleviation, social mobility, and demographic dividend.
SDG & NEP 2020 Alignment: Supports goals of reducing dropouts and increasing Gross Enrolment Ratio to 50% by 2035.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Quality of Learning Outcomes | Dropout reduction doesn’t always equal learning achievements; ASER reports show learning gaps. |
| Boundary Walls & Safety | At least 20,000 schools still lack boundary walls → safety/security issues. filecite |
| Teacher Shortage | Uneven pupil-teacher ratio in rural vs. urban schools. |
| Socioeconomic Factors | Poverty, child labour, and early marriage still impact dropouts. |
| Digital Divide | AI-based systems need electricity, devices, and digital literacy. |
C. Govt. Initiatives
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Focus on universalisation of education and vocational training.
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: Infrastructure, inclusive education, digital tools.
PM Poshan: Nutritional support to retain children.
Shiksha Setu (Assam): Digital monitoring system.
Mission Buniyaad (pilot): To bridge foundational learning gaps.
D. Way Forward
Bridge Quality Gaps: Focus on foundational literacy & numeracy (NIPUN Bharat).
Strengthen Infrastructure: Prioritise boundary walls, teacher recruitment, digital devices.
Community Involvement: School Management Committees (SMCs) and parents’ active role.
Targeted Schemes for Vulnerable Groups: Scholarships, hostels, and bicycles for rural girls.
Periodic Data Transparency: Regular public reporting of dropout, retention, and transition rates.
📊 Sources for Enrichment
Assam Tribune (Sept 4, 2025) report on UDISE+ findings. filecite
UDISE+ 2024–25 Report (Ministry of Education).
ASER Report (2023): Highlights learning outcomes vs enrolment.
NEP 2020 Policy Document.
🧩 Conclusion
Assam’s sharp decline in dropout rates reflects the success of sustained reforms, tech-enabled governance, and infrastructure improvements. However, the challenge now shifts from access to quality. By bridging learning gaps, addressing infrastructure deficits, and ensuring inclusivity, Assam can truly transform its education system into a model for other states.
🧪 Campaign to Regulate Pathology Test Rates in Assam
📘 GS Paper 2: Health | Governance | Social Justice
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Healthcare Access | State-specific Governance Issues
🔹 Introduction
The Assam Chamber of Commerce (ACC) has launched a mass signature campaign demanding government intervention to regulate the exorbitant rates charged by private diagnostic centres. With pathology tests forming the backbone of modern healthcare, the absence of regulation has imposed a severe financial burden on patients, especially middle-class and economically weaker households. filecite
🔑 Key Points (as per Assam Tribune report)
Concern Raised: Private diagnostic centres in Assam charge rates many times higher than government hospitals, with wide variations across labs.
Patient Burden: Families are compelled to seek costly private tests due to long queues and limited access in government hospitals.
Healthcare as a Right: ACC stated profiteering undermines the fundamental right to healthcare.
Call to Action: Appeal made to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to enact a special law regulating diagnostic test rates in private labs.
Public Mobilisation: Mass signature campaign launched to seek people’s support for the demand. filecite
🧠 Prelims Pointers
Right to Health: Not explicitly a Fundamental Right, but derived from Article 21 (Right to Life) as per SC judgments (Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity vs State of West Bengal, 1996).
Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY: Flagship health insurance scheme; offers free diagnostic services in empanelled hospitals.
Clinical Establishments Act, 2010: Provides regulation of rates, quality, and infrastructure of diagnostic centres (but implementation is uneven across states).
National Health Policy, 2017: Emphasises affordable diagnostics and preventive healthcare.
Assam Health Coverage: State has schemes like Atal Amrit Abhiyan covering diagnostic expenses for critical diseases.
📝 Mains Pointers
A. Significance
Healthcare Affordability: Diagnostic tests are often 40–50% of treatment cost; regulation would reduce catastrophic health expenditure.
Equity in Healthcare: Prevents exploitation of vulnerable groups.
Public Health Strengthening: Affordable diagnostics aid early detection of TB, cancer, diabetes, maternal complications.
Trust in Governance: Regulation enhances accountability of private health sector.
B. Challenges
| Challenge | Explanation |
| Unregulated Private Sector | Wide cost disparity; absence of standardised pricing. |
| Weak Public Infra | Govt hospitals lack capacity → dependency on private labs. |
| Implementation Gap | Past attempts at rate regulation faced resistance from diagnostic lobbies. |
| Quality Concerns | Regulation must balance affordability with lab quality/accuracy. |
| Monitoring & Enforcement | Requires strong institutional framework at district/state level. |
C. Govt. Initiatives
Jan Aushadhi Kendras model for affordable medicines → could be extended to diagnostics.
National Health Mission (NHM): Funds for free diagnostics in govt facilities.
Ayushman Bharat HWC Diagnostics Initiative: Free essential diagnostics at Health & Wellness Centres.
Assam’s Step: Recent govt plans to expand pathology units in district hospitals to reduce dependency on private labs.
D. Way Forward
Legislative Framework: Enact state-level law capping diagnostic rates, as demanded by ACC.
PPP Models: Partner with private labs under regulated pricing for poor patients.
Digital Transparency: Online portal listing govt-approved rates for common tests.
Capacity Building: Upgrade government labs in district/sub-divisional hospitals.
Insurance Coverage: Expand Ayushman Bharat and Atal Amrit to cover more diagnostics.
Periodic Review: Rate caps to be revised annually based on inflation/market costs.
📊 Sources for Enrichment
Assam Tribune (Sep 4, 2025) report on campaign for regulating test rates. filecite
Supreme Court, 1996 (Paschim Banga case): Right to health under Article 21.
National Health Policy 2017.
Clinical Establishments Act 2010.
NITI Aayog Health Diagnostics Vision (2021): Emphasised low-cost diagnostics expansion.
🧩 Conclusion
The campaign reflects a growing public demand for affordable healthcare in Assam. While govt hospitals provide nominally priced tests, limited access forces patients into costly private labs. Regulating diagnostic rates—alongside strengthening public infrastructure and insurance coverage—can strike a balance between patient affordability and sector sustainability, ensuring the Right to Health in practice, not just principle.Northeast, it could be a game-changer, integrating the region more closely with ASEAN through tourism-driven prosperity.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
🧩 Topic 1: MHA Exemption Order & Assam Accord
Q1. (UPSC – Statement type)
Consider the following statements:
- The Assam Accord of 1985 fixes 1 January 1971 as the cut-off date for detection and expulsion of illegal immigrants.
- The Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 provides fast-track naturalisation to certain minorities from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who entered India on or before 31 December 2014.
- The Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025 automatically grants citizenship to all “persecuted minorities” who entered India up to 31 December 2024.
Which of the above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Assam Accord cut-off = 24 March 1971 (not 1 Jan 1971, so Statement 1 is incorrect).
- CAA 2019 = citizenship for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, Christians from 3 countries up to 31 Dec 2014 → correct.
- 2025 Exemption Order only allows stay without deportation; not automatic citizenship → Statement 3 is incorrect.
Q2. (UPSC – Match the pairs)
Match the following legal provisions with their context:
| Provision | Context |
| A. Section 6A of Citizenship Act | 1. Assam-specific cut-off for citizenship linked to 1971 Accord |
| B. Clause 5 of Assam Accord | 2. Expulsion of migrants entering after 24 March 1971 |
| C. CAA, 2019 | 3. Citizenship to persecuted minorities from 3 countries |
Correct matching is:
(a) A–1, B–2, C–3
(b) A–2, B–1, C–3
(c) A–3, B–2, C–1
(d) A–1, B–3, C–2
✅ Answer: (a)
🧩 Topic 2: Climate Change & Snakebite Hotspots
Q3. (UPSC – Current Affairs factual)
Which of the following snakes are part of the “Big Four” responsible for most venomous snakebites in India?
- Common Cobra (Naja naja)
- Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii)
- King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)
- Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)
- Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Big Four = Cobra, Russell’s viper, Saw-scaled viper, Common Krait. King Cobra is venomous but not part of “Big Four” list.
Q4. (UPSC – Analytical/Elimination)
Snakebite has been declared a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) by the WHO. This classification is most relevant because:
(a) It enables India to apply for IMF relief funds for health emergencies.
(b) It allows integration of snakebite into global health financing and targeted action plans.
(c) It automatically makes antivenom treatment free of cost in all WHO member states.
(d) It transfers regulation of antivenom production from national governments to WHO.
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: Declaring a disease as NTD → brings global attention, financing, and coordinated action. It does not make treatment free or transfer regulatory authority.
🧩 Topic 3: Decline in School Dropouts in Assam
Q5. (UPSC – Data-based/analytical)
The UDISE+ report often quoted in education policy refers to:
(a) A survey conducted by NCERT on student learning outcomes.
(b) An annual database on school education maintained by the Ministry of Education.
(c) A ranking framework for higher education institutions in India.
(d) An index prepared by UNESCO to monitor SDG-4 implementation.
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus) is an annual MoE database for school education covering enrolment, retention, infrastructure etc.
Q6. (UPSC – Statement based)
With reference to school education indicators in Assam, consider the following:
- Gross Enrolment Ratio at the senior secondary level has increased in recent years.
- Transition rates from upper primary to secondary have shown a declining trend.
- Functional girls’ toilets are now available in over 99% of schools.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- GER at senior secondary improved from 37.6% → 43.5% (✅).
- Transition rate from upper primary to secondary improved (not declined) (❌).
- Functional girls’ toilets 99.18% → correct.
🧩 Topic 4: Pathology Test Rates Regulation Campaign
Q7. (UPSC – Legal awareness)
Which of the following Acts provides for regulation of private diagnostic centres and clinical laboratories in India?
(a) Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010
(b) Indian Medical Council Act, 1956
(c) Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
(d) National Health Mission Act, 2013
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: Clinical Establishments Act, 2010 regulates registration, standards, and pricing of health facilities (including diagnostics).
Q8. (UPSC – Application-based MCQ)
Why has the demand to regulate pathology test rates in Assam gained traction recently?
- Absence of a uniform pricing mechanism in private labs.
- Long waiting times and capacity gaps in government hospitals.
- Clinical Establishments Act, 2010 has been fully implemented in Assam with strict enforcement.
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (b)
Explanation: Factors 1 & 2 are correct (price disparity and govt hospital shortages). Statement 3 is incorrect → implementation/enforcement of the Act is weak in most states including Assam.
APSC Mains Practice Question
📝 Mains Question (GS Paper 2/5)
“The recent decline in dropout rates in Assam reflects the effectiveness of policy reforms, but challenges of quality and inclusivity remain. Discuss.” (10/15 marks, 150–250 words)
✍️ Model Answer
🔹 Introduction
Education is a key enabler of human capital and social mobility. The UDISE+ 2024–25 data highlights Assam’s significant progress in reducing dropout rates across primary, secondary, and senior secondary levels, reflecting successful interventions under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, digital monitoring tools, and improved infrastructure.
🔹 Body
1. Significance of the Decline
- Access & Retention: Dropout rates fell to 3.8% (primary), 5% (upper primary), and 17.5% (secondary).
- Gender Parity: Functional girls’ toilets in 99% schools encourage adolescent girls’ retention.
- Increased Transition Rates: More students moving from primary to secondary and beyond.
- Digital Interventions: Shiksha Setu app and AI-based attendance monitoring improved accountability.
2. Challenges that Persist
- Learning Outcomes: ASER surveys show large learning gaps despite higher enrolment.
- Infrastructure Deficits: ~20,000 schools lack boundary walls, affecting safety.
- Socio-economic Barriers: Poverty, child labour, and early marriage still push vulnerable groups out.
- Teacher Shortages: Uneven pupil-teacher ratios, especially in rural and tea-garden areas.
- Digital Divide: AI-based systems need electricity and devices not uniformly available.
3. Way Forward
- Strengthen Foundational Literacy: Implement NIPUN Bharat rigorously to ensure quality.
- Bridge Infrastructure Gaps: Prioritise safe buildings, boundary walls, digital access.
- Targeted Schemes: Scholarships, bicycles, and hostels for girls and tribal students.
- Community Participation: Empower School Management Committees (SMCs) to monitor progress.
- Periodic Data Transparency: Publish real-time dropout dashboards to ensure accountability.
🔹 Conclusion
The decline in dropout rates marks a turning point for Assam’s education sector, proving that sustained reforms and technology-driven governance can yield results. The next frontier lies in ensuring quality and inclusivity, without which the gains in enrolment may not translate into meaningful human development.me the cornerstone of India’s UHC journey, ensuring that no citizen is denied healthcare due to medicine costs.
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