1. Discuss about the development of Secondary Education in Assam after Independence.

Ans: After independence, several important steps were taken for the development of secondary education in Assam. The government introduced reforms to improve the quality, administration, and expansion of education.

The recommendations of the Secondary Education Commission (1952-53), Kothari Commission (1964-66), and National Policy on Education (1986) greatly influenced the development of secondary education in Assam.

   In 1948, Gauhati University was established and the control of secondary education was transferred from Calcutta University to Gauhati University. Later, in 1962, the Secondary Education Board of Assam was established under the Assam Secondary Education Act, 1961 for proper control and management of secondary education.

   Many high schools were upgraded into higher secondary schools and some schools were converted into multipurpose schools. The number of schools and students increased gradually after independence.

   In 1973, Assam adopted the 10+2+3 pattern of education as recommended by the Kothari Commission. The higher secondary stage received special importance.

In 1977, the Government of Assam provincialized many high schools and higher secondary schools receiving deficit grants. This improved school administration and financial support.

In 1984, the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council was established to manage higher secondary education, curriculum, textbooks, and examinations.

   The National Policy on Education, 1986 encouraged modernization and vocationalization of secondary education. Navodaya Vidyalaya’s were also established in districts to provide equality education to meritorious rural students.

   Thus, after independence, secondary education in Assam expanded significantly through educational reforms, established of boards and councils, curriculum changes, and improvement of school facilities.

xxxxx

Secondary Education Act of Assam 1961

2. What is the Secondary Education Act of Assam, 1961?

Ans: The Secondary Education of Assam, 1961 is an educational law passed by the Government of Assam for the proper control, management, and development of secondary education in Assam.

3. Write the main provisions of Assam Secondary Education Act 1961.

Ans: The Secondary Education of Assam, 1961 is an educational law passed by the Government of Assam for the proper control, management, and development of secondary education in Assam.

    The main provisions of the Assam Secondary Education Act 1961 show the following:

(i) Improve the administration and quality of secondary education:

The Act was passed in 1961to improve the administration and quality of secondary education in Assam.

(ii) Establishment of Secondary Education Board:

 It provided for the establishment of the Secondary Education Board of Assam.

(iii) Chairman of the Board:

The Director of Public Instruction (DPI) made the Chairman because it describes an arrangement made by the Act regarding the structure of the Board.

(iii) Introduced to Supervise Schools:

According to the Act, the government established a Board of Secondary Education to ensure proper management and supervision of secondary schools.

(iv) Recognition of Schools:

It granted recognition to secondary schools and could withdraw recognition when necessary.

xxxxx

4. Write five functions of ‘Board of Secondary Education, Assam as given by ‘Secondary Education Act, Assam, 1961.

Ans: The Secondary Education of Assam, 1961 is an educational law passed by the Government of Assam for the proper control, management, and development of secondary education in Assam.

     The four functions of ‘Board of Secondary Education, Assam as given by ‘Secondary Education Act, Assam, 1961 are as follows:

(i) Curriculum Preparation:

The Board prescribed textbooks and reference books and prepared the curriculum and syllabus for secondary and higher secondary education.

(ii) Composition of the Board:

The Board included different educational officers, principals, inspectors, and government representatives to ensure proper management of education.

(iii) Rules and Regulation:

The Board was authorized to frame rules and regulations for examinations and school administration.

(iv) Conduct Examination System:

The Board was given power to conduct HSLC and other secondary examinations.

(v) Organize Teacher Training:

The Board organized teacher training programmes, seminar, and educational activities to improve quality education.

xxxxx

5. What are the main objectives of the Secondary Education Act of Assam, 1961?

Ans: The Secondary Education of Assam, 1961 is an educational law passed by the Government of Assam for the proper control, management, and development of secondary education in Assam.

The main objectives of the Secondary Education Act of Assam, 1961 are as follows:

(i) To improve and develop secondary education in Assam.

(ii) To establish the Secondary Education Board of Assam.

(iii) To ensure proper management and supervision of secondary schools.

(iv) To conduct secondary examinations properly.

(v) To maintain educational standards in schools.

(vi) To prepare curriculum and syllabus for secondary education.

(vii) To promote teacher training and educational development.

xxxxx

Problems of Secondary Education in Assam

6. Discuss any five defects of Secondary education system in Assam.

Ans: Secondary education in Assam faces several problems which affect the quality and improvement of education. Some of the major problems are discussed below:

(i) Lack of Infrastructure:

Many secondary schools do not have proper classroom, libraries, laboratories, playgrounds, and drinking water facilities in the teaching-learning process.

(ii) Shortage of Qualified Teachers:

In many schools, there is a shortage of trained and experienced teachers. Some teachers have to teach subjects outside their specialization, which affects the quality of education.

(iii) High Dropout Rate:

A large number of students have leave school before completing secondary education due to poverty, early marriage, family responsibilities, and lack of interest in studies.

(iv) Lack of Technical and Vocational Education:

Most secondary schools focus mainly on theoretical education. Vocational and skill-based education is limited, so students do not gain practical knowledge for employment.

(v) Language and Communication Problems:

Students from different linguistic backgrounds often face difficulties in understanding the medium of instruction, which affects their academic performance.

(vi) Poor Student Attendance:

Irregular attendance is another problem in many schools, especially in rural areas, due to domestic work, agricultural activities, and transportation problems.

(vii) Lack of Educational Technology:

Many schools do not have access to computers, internet facilities, and modern teaching aids, which limits digital learning opportunities.

(viii) Economic Problems:

Many families in Assam are financially weak and cannot afford educational expenses such as books, uniforms, tuition fees, and transportation.

xxxxx

Point to be Remember

• The Secondary Education Act of Assam enacted or passed in 1961.
• The Act came into force in 1962.
• The chairman of the Secondary Education Act, 1961 was Director of Public Instruction (DPI- Ex officio)
• The present chairman of the Assam State School education Board – C. JAIN (Ramesh Chandra Jain).
• The Secondary Education Board of Assam conducts the secondary education examinations in Assam including the HSLC and ASSEB Division-II examinations.
• From 1973, Assam introduced the 10+2+3 system as recommended by the Kothari Commission.
• In 1977, the Government of Assam provincialized many high schools receiving deficit grants.
• In 1984, the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council was established following the recommendations of the Kothari Commission.
• The Secondary Education Commission, Kothari Commission, and National Policy on Education stressed vocational education.

xxxxx