Assam Schools Reopening Left to District Officials

Preliminary assessments indicate that, apart from a limited number of schools, most educational institutions, including colleges, are currently not in a position to resume academic activities. The final call, however, will be made at the district level after evaluating local conditions.

“Initial reports suggest that barring a few schools, the majority of schools and even colleges are not in a position to restart classes. Nevertheless, I have left the matter to the district level for an appropriate decision,” Pegu said.

He emphasised that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of district administrations because it concerns the management of a natural disaster. “This is a decision-making matter related to a natural calamity. In such situations, the highest authority to take decisions rests with the district administration. Therefore, the Deputy Commissioners will decide whether schools can reopen in their districts,” he added.

Assam is scheduled to reopen schools after the summer vacation on August 1. Widespread flooding over the past few weeks has disrupted normal life across several Upper Assam districts, damaging public infrastructure, including educational institutions, and affecting thousands of families.

The state government continues to review the flood situation and coordinate relief and restoration efforts. District administrations are simultaneously assessing the safety and readiness of schools before permitting the resumption of regular classes. By decentralising the decision, the Education Department aims to ensure that reopening timelines reflect actual ground realities rather than a uniform statewide directive.