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Time of India
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Assam schools may return to Jan-Dec academic year
Guwahati: Assam might revert to a Jan-Dec academic year for schools, moving away from the current Apr-March schedule. This change is being considered due to the disruptions caused by festivals and adverse weather conditions at the start of the academic year in Apr. A three-member committee of senior govt officials has been formed to explore this possibility. The committee is led by Krishna Baruah, additional secretary of the state education department, and includes Mamata Hojai and Suranjana Senapati, directors of secondary and elementary education, respectively. "The committee will propose the names of 10 academicians, and consultations will be held with them before making a decision on changing the academic calendar. Student organisations, teachers' bodies, and other stakeholders will also be invited to discussions," a source from the education department said. The initial reason for changing the academic session during the Covid pandemic was to align it with competitive examinations and higher education application timelines. Previously, the academic year ran from Jan to Dec, but Class X and XII state board exams were still conducted in Feb-Mar, similar to the CBSE schedule. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 45세 이상이신가요? 느긋하게 쉬려면 이 게임을 플레이해 보세요 (지금 플레이해 보기) Taonga: 아일랜드 팜 플레이하기 Undo In 2021, following the Covid-19 pandemic, the academic session was shifted to April-March, a decision that did not sit well with groups like the All Assam Students' Union (Aasu). "We did not want the change in academic session timing earlier. January to December is the best timing for the academic session if we keep in mind floods, festivities, and the paddy harvesting season, etc. in Assam," said Tutumoni Kalita, education secretary of Aasu, on Tuesday. Ratul Chandra Goswami, secretary general of Assam State Primary Teachers' Association, said while the academic year was altered due to Covid, Assam's geographical and climatic conditions have negatively impacted students' education. "According to the academic calendar prepared by SCERT, students are having to sit for evaluations without acquiring the necessary knowledge because the curriculum could not be advanced as planned. It is noteworthy that due to the April-March academic year, students have had to participate in the first and second evaluations without acquiring knowledge because of Rongali Bihu, Eid, floods, and soaring heat," he lamented. He said significant academic loss has been observed in Dec-Jan due to winter. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Aasu to sponsor coaching of 40 UPSC aspirants from NE in Delhi every year
Guwahati: All Assam Students' Union (Aasu) on Monday announced a major initiative to provide special support to 40 UPSC aspirants from Assam and the northeast. They will be offered free coaching at selected Delhi institutes. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While the results for Assam in the UPSC-conducted civil services examination were not promising in the recent past, this year saw a drastic fall in the number of candidates from Assam and the northeast who qualified in the UPSC civil services final examination. On Monday, Aasu announced that every year, it will send 26 students from Assam and 14 students from other northeastern states, through the North East Student Organization (NESO) for training for the UPSC-conducted civil services examination in Delhi. In the first step of the project, this year, under the "Pratyasha" project, 25 candidates from Assam who succeeded in the UPSC prelims will be provided assistance for the main exam. The student union will cover all expenses for these 25 candidates to receive online or offline training at their chosen institution. Interested candidates who succeeded in the preliminary stage can apply by filling out a form on the student union's website The application process will continue until Jun 29. In the first week of July, assistance will be provided to 25 selected candidates. Candidate who have already enrolled in institutions for training can also apply, and the student union will provide assistance with training costs as much as possible. "They will receive training at selected institutions in Delhi. A special arrangement will be made to select and send these candidates to Delhi. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Aasu will soon provide a detailed explanation on this matter," Aasu president Utpal Sarma and general secretary Samiran Phukan said in a statement on Monday. Aasu has devised a special plan to encourage students and youth from Assam to appear in the civil services examination and to create a cadre of efficient administrative officers from Assam. To advance this plan, the student union will proceed with advice from former Dibrugarh University VC Alak Kumar Buragohain, Assam Skill University VC Subhas Chandra Das, retired IAS officer Himangshu Sekhar Das, retired senior officer of Indian Railways Robin Kalita, and some former and current civil service officers. During the training in Delhi, the All Assamese Students' Association New Delhi will coordinate the efforts. Notably, in 2001-02, Aasu supported a group of candidates for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, one of whom succeeded in the exam. This time, Aasu said their mission is more elaborate and planned. "Over the years, the number of qualifiers has been gradually decreasing. This has concerned both the people of Assam and Aasu. Various student groups and university groups of Aasu have been organising training camps for competitive exams from time to time. However, there is still much to be done to raise awareness for national-level competitive exams in Assam," said Utpal Sarma. Guwahati: All Assam Students' Union (Aasu) on Monday announced a major initiative to provide special support to 40 UPSC aspirants from Assam and the northeast. They will be offered free coaching at selected Delhi institutes. While the results for Assam in the UPSC-conducted civil services examination were not promising in the recent past, this year saw a drastic fall in the number of candidates from Assam and the northeast who qualified in the UPSC civil services final examination. On Monday, Aasu announced that every year, it will send 26 students from Assam and 14 students from other northeastern states, through the North East Student Organization (NESO) for training for the UPSC-conducted civil services examination in Delhi. In the first step of the project, this year, under the "Pratyasha" project, 25 candidates from Assam who succeeded in the UPSC prelims will be provided assistance for the main exam. The student union will cover all expenses for these 25 candidates to receive online or offline training at their chosen institution. Interested candidates who succeeded in the preliminary stage can apply by filling out a form on the student union's website The application process will continue until Jun 29. In the first week of July, assistance will be provided to 25 selected candidates. Candidate who have already enrolled in institutions for training can also apply, and the student union will provide assistance with training costs as much as possible. "They will receive training at selected institutions in Delhi. A special arrangement will be made to select and send these candidates to Delhi. Aasu will soon provide a detailed explanation on this matter," Aasu president Utpal Sarma and general secretary Samiran Phukan said in a statement on Monday. Aasu has devised a special plan to encourage students and youth from Assam to appear in the civil services examination and to create a cadre of efficient administrative officers from Assam. To advance this plan, the student union will proceed with advice from former Dibrugarh University VC Alak Kumar Buragohain, Assam Skill University VC Subhas Chandra Das, retired IAS officer Himangshu Sekhar Das, retired senior officer of Indian Railways Robin Kalita, and some former and current civil service officers. During the training in Delhi, the All Assamese Students' Association New Delhi will coordinate the efforts. Notably, in 2001-02, Aasu supported a group of candidates for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, one of whom succeeded in the exam. This time, Aasu said their mission is more elaborate and planned. "Over the years, the number of qualifiers has been gradually decreasing. This has concerned both the people of Assam and Aasu. Various student groups and university groups of Aasu have been organising training camps for competitive exams from time to time. However, there is still much to be done to raise awareness for national-level competitive exams in Assam," said Utpal Sarma.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Time of India
NE groups slam US travel advisory, call it ‘utterly irrational'
Guwahati: As the US State Department issued a Level-2 travel advisory for India, with special mention of Manipur and the northeast, leading organisations of the region like the North East Student Organisation (Neso) raised strong objections to such a move. Post-pandemic, tourist footfall has increased across several northeastern destinations, particularly in Assam. A key factor behind this rise has been the improved law and order situation, following the surrender of multiple militant outfits. Neso advisor Samujjal Bhattacharjya said the latest Level-2 travel advisory for India by the US State Department was unwarranted and unjustified. "The entire North-Eastern region is safe and best known for its hospitality. It has always welcomed visitors from across the globe," Bhattacharjya wrote on his X handle on Sunday. He said that such blanket advisories perpetuate unfounded prejudices and must be reconsidered. The All Assam Students' Union (Aasu), a constituent of Neso, also said the travel advisory was utterly irrational. "Assam is a state known for its scenic beauty and the hospitality of the local people. Safety was never a concern for tourists and visitors in Assam. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Doutor: Manter a massa muscular após os 50 anos depende deste hábito noturno Revista do Homem Saiba Mais Undo In fact, the entire Northeast is tourist-friendly," Aasu president Utpal Sarma said. Sarma noted that the advisory issued by the US may inadvertently perpetuate biases. He added, "This is totally unwarranted and needs sincere correction." While Manipur has faced ethnic unrest for over two years, the number of violent incidents has reportedly declined since the imposition of President's Rule in Feb. Responding to the advisory, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) convenor Khuraijam Athouba said, "We believe that it is a direct consequence of the Govt of India's reimposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in Manipur with effect from Jan 1, 2024, in the wake of the ongoing Manipur crisis. This move has misinformed the global community about the actual situation in Manipur and the region, projecting a distorted picture of the security environment, whereas we firmly believe that it has nothing to do with the safety or security of visiting foreigners." Regarding the northeast, the travel advisory for northeastern states urged reconsideration of travel to this area "due to terrorism and violence". "Ethnic insurgent groups occasionally commit acts of violence in parts of the northeast," read the advisory, adding that these incidents include bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets. The advisory, however, stated that there were no recent reports of violence in Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, or Tripura. US govt employees working in India require prior approval before visiting the states of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, as well as when visiting any areas outside of the capital cities of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Tripura. The advisory advised not to travel to Manipur due to the threat of violence and crime. "Ongoing ethnic-based conflict resulted in reports of extensive violence and community displacement," it added. While the advisory mentioned that attacks against Indian govt targets occur on a regular basis, it stated that US govt employees working in India require prior approval before visiting Manipur.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
GU administration bans ‘animal feeding' & ‘vlogging' on campus
Guwahati: A directive from Gauhati University's administration has drawn criticism, particularly regarding its prohibition on animal feeding within the campus. The notice also lists bans on vlog shooting, videography, and some outdoor performances on university campus. After a picture of the notice board placed at a university entrance went viral on social media , GU administration on Sunday asked the community to avoid misinterpreting these rules, while explaining their context and purpose. "Perhaps this was the only thing left for the Gauhati University administration to do in the name of administrative reform. The university administration has clearly stated on a signboard at the entrance of Gauhati University — No feeding of animals," All Assam Students' Union (Aasu) president Utpal Sarma wrote on 'X'. Aasu president said public educational institutions have administrative buildings where administrators work, emphasising that they should not see themselves as authority figures instead of administrators. The university administration provided clarification regarding animal welfare concerns on Sunday. They explained that outsiders feeding items like bananas to monkeys leads to aggressive behaviour and disturbances. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Didn't Anyone Tell You About This Power Saver? elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Pre-Order Undo "The restriction specifically applies to feeding wild animals, such as monkeys, which can pose significant safety and health risks to residents," GU registrar Prof Utpal Sarma said in a statement. "Feeding monkeys, a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Environment Protection Act, 1986, is also strictly prohibited by law," he added. Prof Sarma said while Hostel Rule 2017 restricts animal feeding within hostel premises, residents may keep domesticated pets. Many faculty and staff members care for pets on campus. The vice chancellor's residence includes a stray dog rehabilitation facility, where regular vaccinations and care is provided under the personal supervision of the VC. GU released a statement on Sunday explaining that the notice was issued before the 32nd Convocation, scheduled for Apr 25, 2025, where President Droupadi Murmu was expected as chief guest. The university implemented strict security measures in accordance to directives from state and national agencies due to the anticipated presence of dignitaries. The measures included restricting campus entry to those with valid university identification or passes, prohibiting open-air performances, and restricting video shooting. Despite the President's visit being postponed due to the Pahalgam incident, security protocols remain active, officials said. "Due to Operation Sindoor, a sensitive operation necessitating continued vigilance and restricted access, these restrictions are not arbitrary but are in full accordance with national security directives and govt protocols governing high-profile visits and sensitive operations," Prof Sarma stated. The video shooting and vlogging restrictions were clarified as applying only to unauthorised commercial filming and vlogging. The administration has requested understanding from students, staff, and the community regarding these measures, emphasising their "necessity for maintaining a safe learning environment".
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
AASU protests waterlogging woes, warns of intensified agitation in Chabua
1 2 3 Dibrugarh: Frustrated by repeated waterlogging and unaddressed garbage accumulation, members of the All Assam Students' Union (Aasu) staged a demonstration in Chabua on Friday, demanding immediate govt action. The protest was sparked by last week's relentless rainfall, which left large parts of the town, including the vital NH-37, submerged for nearly seven days. Chabua, a key urban centre in Dibrugarh district, saw its streets turned into waterways due to heavy rain, severely disrupting daily life. Shopkeepers, commuters, and residents struggled as stagnant floodwaters made movement nearly impossible. Protesters urged authorities to prioritise two primary issues: the completion of ongoing drainage projects and a thorough cleanup of existing drains to prevent future flooding. They also called attention to the worsening condition of Chabua's daily market, where piles of unattended garbage pose serious health risks. Aasu warned that failure to act would lead to intensified protests. "Every time it rains heavily, the town turns into a lake. The drainage system is either incomplete or clogged with waste, yet authorities have ignored this crisis for years," said Kashyap Kumar Mautt, vice-president of Aasu's Chabua unit. "We've given the administration one week to respond. If nothing changes, we will escalate our agitation. Chabua needs a scientific drainage master plan and regular maintenance—ad-hoc solutions won't fix this issue," he added. The protest concluded with Aasu leaders submitting a memorandum to Chabua circle officer Mitalee Lahon, addressed to Dibrugarh district commissioner Bikram Kairi, urging swift intervention. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
