Staff Reporter
Guwahati: The Samagra Shiksha Assam (SSA) has released 50% of the Annual School Grants for the academic year 2025–26 to 39,515 schools across the state. The schools have been directed to utilize the funds by August 25 based on their immediate priorities. To ensure effective use of the grants, the SSA has issued detailed guidelines.
As per the instructions, top priority must be given to clearing outstanding electricity bills, particularly those owed to the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL). This step is intended to help schools maintain basic infrastructural functionality.
A key feature of the guidelines is the mandatory allocation of 10% of the total grant towards the implementation of the Swachhata Action Plan (SAP). Schools are required to develop and enforce SAPs that focus on maintaining clean and functional toilet facilities, ensuring the availability of running water, promoting hand hygiene, and providing access to safe drinking water.
To foster a culture of cleanliness, schools are encouraged to organize activity-based cleanliness drives both inside and outside the school premises, including classrooms, playgrounds, and surrounding areas. Tree plantation activities are also recommended. Additionally, the installation of recycling bins is advised to promote awareness about waste segregation and reuse among students, teachers, and staff.
The guidelines further recommend declaring one day per week as “Cleanliness Day,” where all members of the school community participate in cleaning activities. Schools are also expected to maintain hygienic conditions at water sources and handwashing stations, which must be child-friendly and regularly cleaned.
Infrastructure improvements are also emphasized. Schools should provide separate toilet units for boys and girls, as well as accessible facilities for students with special needs. The standard ratio suggested is one toilet and three urinals for every 40 students.
Moreover, the SSA has encouraged schools to engage students—particularly those from rural areas—in spreading awareness in their communities about the dangers of open defecation and the importance of using toilets. To further motivate students, schools may introduce a reward system that recognizes those who actively contribute to maintaining cleanliness on campus.
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