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A step backward for higher education?
The Assam government's proposal to engage retired college teachers in a 1:1 ratio with newly recruited ones may appear cost-effective, but it raises serious concerns about the future of higher education in the state. It’s a fact that with age, energy and adaptability decline. Teaching, unlike many professions, is not static—it evolves rapidly, especially in today’s digital era. Today's students are tech-savvy, exposed to global knowledge systems, and demand modern teaching methodologies. In such a dynamic environment, fresh minds with updated training and innovative approaches are essential in the classroom.
While fiscal prudence is necessary, education should never be the first target for budget cuts. Instead of repurposing retired teachers—who have already served with dedication—the focus should be on building a vibrant academic ecosystem by recruiting and nurturing young, energetic educators. Quality education is an investment, not an expenditure.
The initiative risks becoming a case of putting "old wine in new bottles"—a cosmetic change that fails to address the core need for progressive, technology-integrated teaching. There are ample other areas within government operations where rational spending cuts could yield savings without compromising the future of our students. In the race to build a competitive, knowledge-based economy, Assam must prioritize educational innovation over financial expediency. The classrooms of today deserve teachers equipped for tomorrow.
Prafulla Dowarah
Guwahati
Dilapidated sidewalks in Guwahati
Have you ever walked on the sidewalks in Guwahati? Maybe you must have. Maybe you have barely escaped falling into a manhole on the sidewalk and said to yourself, “Oh, my god, I was saved from something bad today.” Yes, it is normal for most people living in Guwahati to have such incidents. This is because some of the sidewalks in Guwahati are in poor condition. There are many places in the city's centre where various offices and educational institutions are located. There are many people, ranging from students to employees, suffering due to the dilapidated sidewalks. There are many reasons why pedestrians are suffering from these issues. Although some footpaths have been reconstructed, there are many footpaths that have been in dilapidated condition for many years and need to be repaired. The authorities should prioritize sidewalk maintenance to prevent accidents. Immediate action is necessary to ensure pedestrian safety. The people of Guwahati deserve better infrastructure. Regular inspections can help identify and fix these issues.
Jugasmita Das
Guwahati
China’s dam posing a threat
It is a matter of great concern for India (especially for Assam) as China has officially begun construction of a massive hydropower dam on the river Brahmaputra (known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet) due to its ecology, water flows, and geopolitics. The dam may reduce water flow downstream during the dry season and affect water availability for irrigation and domestic use. The dam may also reduce soil fertility downstream and disrupt ecosystems, including fish migration patterns and wildlife habitats in some protected areas such as Kaziranga National Park. Moreover, during monsoon season, if China releases large volumes of water from the dam, it will lead to an exacerbating flood situation in Assam. As such, diplomatic engagements and discussions are highly solicited from the Government of India to urge China to ensure that the downstream interests are not harmed and the dam should be constructed by taking all safety measures in view of the region’s high seismic risks.
Rupak G. Duarah,
Rajahnagar, Guwahati
Future in jeopardy
According to data released by the Union Ministry of Education, it is deeply alarming and disheartening that 7,919 government schools have been shut down in Assam over the past decade. In 2014–15, the state had 52,927 government schools, but by 2023–24, that number had plummeted to just 45,008. In stark contrast, during the last four years, licenses were granted for 219 new liquor shops, and 408 existing shops in rural areas have been upgraded into wine bars. As a result, revenue from liquor sales has seen a sharp rise, climbing from Rs 3,980.66 crore in 2022–23 to Rs 4,798.73 crore in 2023–24—an increase of 24.97%. This disturbing juxtaposition—the decline in educational institutions and the simultaneous growth of liquor outlets—raises serious questions about the vision for the state’s future. Can we truly aspire to build a progressive society rooted in knowledge, values, and creativity when educational opportunities shrink and alcohol access expands? The message this sends about the priorities shaping the next generation is deeply troubling.
Dipen Gogoi,
Teok, Jorhat.