On the occasion of India’s 76th Independence Day, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the launch of the Vidya Rath School on Wheels project at the Gauhati High Court.
Following the launch, Sarma stated that the project’s goal was to provide elementary education to economically deprived children in the community.
Sarma went on to say, “There cannot have been a more auspicious occasion for launching this noble cause than the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav when we are celebrating 75 years of our independence. I sincerely hope that this project will be really helpful in bringing our children who are hitherto remain outside the ambit of formal education”
While recognising India’s remarkable achievements in the fields of science, technology, medical sciences, and space missions, among others, Sarma stated that “India of our dreams cannot be achieved without the uplift of the socio-economically disadvantaged sections. Therefore, the project Vidya Rath: School on wheels launched, will go a long way in imparting education to the economically challenged children and help them to empower academically”
He stated that despite the best efforts of the federal and state governments to educate everyone, a significant number of children remain outside the scope of formal education.
The Chief Minister went on to say, “Our children are the future of the nation. It is extremely painful to see many of our children, who should be in schools, framing the foundations for a bright future, are instead engaged in begging in the streets, bus stops, railway stations or picking up garbage, and bottles. It is equally disheartening to see many of our children drop out of schools owing to their families’ financial condition and wandering around, getting used to substance abuse”
Following the event, CM took to Twitter to announce the project’s launch, writing, “Delighted to attend the launch of Vidya Rath, a project aimed at imparting elementary education to EWS students. Gratitude to Hon Chief Justice of Gauhati HC Shri RM Chhaya for implementing the project in Assam. We shall extend full support to Gauhati HC for making it a success.”
The Vidya Rath-School on Wheels project aims to provide economically challenged underprivileged children with access to elementary education for ten months before integrating them into the traditional education system. Under the project, students will receive free midday meals, uniforms, and textbooks.
The Chief Minister also thanked all stakeholders in the Vidya Rath project, including the Government of Assam, the Assam State Legal Services Authority, the Guwahati High Court Legal Services Committee, the District Legal Services Authority Kamrup (Metro), the Assam State Transport Corporation, the Assam Sarba Siksha Mission, the GMDA, and various NGOs, and promised the best possible support cooperation to ensure the project’s success.