Assam Renames 1,281 Madrasas to Middle English Schools for Educational Uniformity

Dispur: Assam’s Education Minister, Ranoj Pegu on Thursday announced the renaming of 1,281 madrasas in compliance with the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government’s earlier decision. The institutions are now termed ME (Middle English) schools, aligning with the government’s objective of fostering uniformity and inclusivity in the state’s education system.

In line with the conversion of government and provincialised madrasas into general schools under the School Education Board of Assam (SEBA), Pegu confirmed the name change through an official notification. This move follows Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s previous declaration of intending to shut down all madrasas in the state.

The decision to close state-run madrasas and transform them into conventional schools, made by the Assam government last year, sparked controversy. The Directorate of Elementary Education in Assam supervised the conversion process.

Highlighting the financial aspect, the Assam government disclosed an expenditure of ₹500 crore in maintaining madrasas. The renaming initiative reflects a broader strategy to reshape the educational landscape while addressing the associated controversies.