In a landmark move towards educational reform, Assam has taken a significant step that marks a new era in its approach to schooling. On Wednesday, 13th December, the Department of School Education in Assam made a groundbreaking announcement: 1281 Madrasa Education (ME) units in the state are set to undergo a major transformation. These institutions, traditionally known for Islamic education, will no longer function as madrasas but will be converted into regular schools.

This decision reflects a progressive shift in the state's educational policy, aimed at broadening the scope of learning and integrating diverse educational systems. The Board of Secondary Education Assam (SEBA), a pivotal body in the realm of education in Assam, is spearheading this transformation. Their task involves converting both government and provincialised madrasas into conventional schools, a move that promises to bring a more inclusive and comprehensive educational framework to the state.

The conversion of these 1281 madrasas into regular schools is not just a change in name or structure; it represents a significant evolution in the educational landscape of Assam. This initiative will enable students from these institutions to access a wider range of subjects and educational experiences, aligning them more closely with mainstream education. It opens doors to a more holistic form of learning that transcends religious boundaries, offering students a well-rounded educational foundation.

By integrating these madrasas into the regular schooling system, Assam is taking a step towards unifying its educational institutions. This move is expected to enhance the quality of education, promote secular learning, and prepare students to meet the diverse challenges of the modern world. It is a celebration of inclusivity and progress, reflecting the state's commitment to providing equal educational opportunities for all its students, regardless of their religious background.

Assam's move towards educational reform received a significant boost with a celebratory announcement from the state's Education Minister, Ranoj Pegu. Embracing the digital age, Minister Pegu took to his social media handle to share a pivotal update regarding the transformation of madrasas into general schools. In his post, he proudly announced, “Consequent to the conversion of all Govt and Provincialised Madrasa into general schools under SEBA, the Department of School Education in Assam has changed the names of 1281 ME Madrasas into ME Schools by a notification today. Here is the link for the list of schools.”

By sharing the list of the concerned institutes, Minister Pegu has not only provided transparency but also showcased the state's commitment to this transformative initiative. The conversion of 1281 Madrasa Education (ME) Madrasas into ME Schools under the Board of Secondary Education Assam (SEBA) is a bold step, highlighting Assam's dedication to expanding the educational horizon for its young learners.

By bringing these institutions under the umbrella of general education, the Assam government is paving the way for a more unified and holistic educational approach. It reflects a vision of an education system that fosters academic excellence, broadens perspectives, and prepares students for a diverse and interconnected world.

On 13th December, the Department of School Education in Assam issued a landmark notification, solidifying the state's commitment to educational reform. This significant document marks the culmination of a series of steps aimed at transforming the educational landscape of Assam. The notification states, “As per the approval of the government on 4th December 2023, the nomenclature of the listed upper primary schools 'M.E. Madrasa' under the Directorate of Elementary Education, Assam shall be known as 'M.E. Schools' with immediate effect.” This declaration is a clear indication of Assam's move towards a more inclusive and unified education system.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been a vocal proponent of this transformation. He has consistently emphasized the need to modify madrasas in the state into regular schools. His rationale is rooted in the belief that students in madrasas should have the opportunity to receive mainstream education. This approach is aimed at equipping them with a more diverse and comprehensive set of skills and knowledge, preparing them for a wide range of future prospects.

It symbolizes the state's commitment to providing equal educational opportunities to all its students, irrespective of their religious or cultural backgrounds. This initiative under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's leadership is set to create a more unified and progressive educational environment in Assam.