Tensions rose in Sipajhar as a group of students took to the streets on May 16, 2025, protesting the recent changes made by the Assam government to the Pragyan Bharati scheme. The students demand that the state government revert to the original eligibility criteria for receiving scooties under the scheme, which they say has been unfairly tightened, excluding many deserving candidates.
The Pragyan Bharati scheme has been a popular initiative in Assam, designed to empower students by providing scooties to help them commute easily to their educational institutions. This support has been crucial for students in rural and semi-urban areas like Sipajhar, where transportation challenges often hinder academic attendance and performance. However, the state government’s decision to revise the eligibility criteria has triggered unrest among students who now fear they will lose access to this essential benefit.
According to the new rules, the eligibility for receiving a scooty under the Pragyan Bharati scheme has been made more stringent. Students who previously qualified may no longer be eligible, creating widespread dissatisfaction. Protesters argue that these revisions will disproportionately affect students from economically weaker sections who rely heavily on the scheme to pursue their education without transportation hurdles.
The protesting students gathered near the local administration office in Sipajhar, raising slogans demanding the immediate reinstatement of the original eligibility norms. They appealed to the government to reconsider the policy changes and prioritize student welfare. The protest, peaceful but determined, attracted attention from local media, education activists, and community members who expressed solidarity with the students’ cause.
Local student leader Raju Deka spoke passionately about the issue, stating, “The Pragyan Bharati scheme has been a lifeline for many students. Changing the eligibility criteria without proper consultation is unfair. We urge the government to listen to our concerns and restore the original scheme to ensure no student is left behind.”
The administration responded by assuring that the revised eligibility criteria were introduced to make the scheme more targeted and efficient, aiming to reach the most needy students. However, officials also expressed their willingness to hold dialogue sessions with student representatives to address grievances and find a balanced solution that benefits all stakeholders.
This controversy has sparked wider debate across Assam about the government’s role in educational support schemes and the balance between fiscal responsibility and social welfare. Many education experts highlight that transportation plays a vital role in student retention and success, especially in rural areas. Denying access to such support could lead to increased dropout rates and hamper educational progress in the region.
Parents of affected students have also voiced their concerns, emphasizing the challenges their children face in commuting long distances without reliable transportation. “Our children’s education is at risk because of these new rules,” said Anjali Bora, a mother of a college-going student in Sipajhar. “We hope the government will understand our plight and reverse the decision.”
The protest in Sipajhar is a reminder of the importance of inclusive policies in educational schemes. It underscores the need for governments to engage closely with beneficiaries before implementing changes that can significantly impact lives. Transparent communication and collaborative problem-solving are essential to ensure that welfare programs like Pragyan Bharati serve their intended purpose effectively.
As the protest continues to gain momentum, education activists and student unions from across Assam have pledged support, urging the government to hold open consultations and work towards a more inclusive policy framework. They emphasize that student empowerment through schemes like Pragyan Bharati is critical for Assam’s socio-economic development.
The government faces mounting pressure to respond swiftly and thoughtfully. The public, students, and stakeholders await concrete steps that will address the concerns raised while maintaining the scheme’s integrity and financial viability. Assam’s education landscape hangs in the balance as this debate unfolds.
Citizens and students alike are encouraged to stay informed and voice their opinions constructively to shape policies that impact their futures. Active civic engagement can drive positive change and ensure government schemes are designed with empathy and fairness.
The Pragyan Bharati scheme’s future now depends on the government’s ability to balance effective targeting with widespread accessibility. The outcome will set a precedent for how Assam manages its educational welfare programs moving forward, making this a pivotal moment for the state’s student community.
Government’s Stand on Revised Eligibility Criteria
The Assam government has clarified that the revision of the Pragyan Bharati scheme’s eligibility criteria aims to optimize resource allocation. Officials say the changes were intended to prioritize students from the most economically disadvantaged backgrounds. A senior government official explained, “We want to ensure that the limited resources under this scheme reach those who need it the most. The revision was necessary to avoid misuse and duplication of benefits.”
Despite these intentions, the lack of prior consultation with students and local stakeholders has created a communication gap. The government now plans to organize a series of stakeholder meetings, including representatives from student bodies, educational institutions, and local authorities, to discuss concerns and improve the scheme’s implementation.
Impact on Rural Students’ Mobility
For many students in rural areas like Sipajhar, scooties are more than just a convenience—they are essential for daily travel. With limited public transportation options, many students rely solely on two-wheelers to attend schools and colleges that are often located several kilometers away.
Transportation challenges have been linked to irregular attendance and increased dropout rates, particularly among girls and economically disadvantaged students. Experts warn that tightening eligibility for mobility assistance could reverse the gains made in educational participation in remote regions.
Voices from the Community
Local teachers and community leaders have also voiced support for the students, emphasizing that access to transportation is crucial for inclusive education. “When students have reliable transportation, their academic performance improves significantly,” said Rina Das, a school principal in Sipajhar. “Removing or restricting this aid would impact the overall quality of education and discourage many from continuing their studies.”
Parents, too, have called for a more compassionate approach. Many shared stories of children walking long distances in harsh weather to reach school before benefiting from the scooty scheme. For them, the revised eligibility feels like a step backward.
The Way Forward: Dialogue and Solutions
To address the escalating tensions, the government has promised to set up a grievance redressal mechanism for affected students. Officials are also considering introducing a phased eligibility review that allows currently enrolled beneficiaries to retain their scooters for a certain period while new criteria are gradually implemented.
Student leaders have welcomed these moves but insist that meaningful engagement and transparency are essential to rebuild trust. They have urged authorities to ensure that no deserving student is denied the opportunity to pursue education due to transportation barriers.
The Pragyan Bharati scheme’s future hinges on finding a balanced approach that safeguards both financial sustainability and students’ needs. Continued dialogue and cooperation between the government and student representatives will be crucial in shaping policies that support Assam’s educational development.