Bank accounts for students: Private schools question Dispur's directive

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The private schools have questioned the State Education Department's directive asking students from Classes I to XI to open bank accounts.

"The primary (KG to Class IV) and upper primary (Class V to VIII) classes are yet to reopen in my school due to the COVID-19 fear. Now suddenly, we have received a letter from the Education department asking students to open bank accounts. It will not be possible for us to follow the directive at this juncture," said the Principal of a leading private school.

The school students from Classes I to XII studying in government schools in the State are now opening bank accounts. The move aims at training children on management of financial skills and inculcating good financial habits on savings.

In October 2020, the Mission Director of Samagraa Siksha, Assam B. Kalyan Chakravarthy through an official letter, directed the Inspectors of Schools and also the District Elementary Education Officers (all districts) to take the necessary action to ensure reopening of bank accounts by following all COVID-safety protocols. Chakravarthy also said that it would be a massive exercise; and the entire process will be completed by November 30, 2020.

"My school is affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). We do not follow the State Board's syllabus and other academic activities. We need to ask whether the State Education Department's directive is to be followed or not," pointed out another Principal.

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