In a decision aimed at modernising and streamlining the state’s educational framework, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced the merger of the School Education Board of Assam (SEBA) and the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC). The consolidation will create the Assam State School Education Board, a move that aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
In a statement shared on platform X, Chief Minister Sarma emphasised the significance of the merger, stating, “In a major milestone towards advancing our education sector and in conformity with NEP 2020, we have merged SEBA and AHSEC to create a unified Assam State School Education Board. The new board will align school education with the needs of the 21st century.”
The NEP 2020 advocates for a comprehensive overhaul of the education system in India, focusing on a curriculum that fosters both cognitive and socio-emotional development. According to the Ministry of Education, the policy aims to nurture foundational skills like literacy and numeracy, as well as higher-order skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. Additionally, it emphasises the importance of social and emotional skills, including cultural awareness, empathy, perseverance, and leadership.
The merger is designed to enhance the efficiency and quality of education by unifying the regulatory and administrative functions of SEBA and AHSEC. This integration is expected to streamline processes and improve the educational standards across Assam.
In conjunction with the merger, Assam Governor Lakshman Acharya has appointed RC Jain as the Chairman of the new board. Rukma Gohain Baruah, the former Chairman of AHSEC, will serve as the Vice-Chairman. Their terms will last for three years or until the age of 70, whichever comes first.
The NEP 2020 is built upon five guiding pillars: access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability. These principles aim to prepare students to tackle both national and global challenges effectively, transforming India into a leading knowledge superpower.
As part of this transformation, the NEP 2020 stresses the need for education systems that not only impart academic knowledge but also prepare students for real-world challenges through a balanced approach to cognitive and emotional learning.
