‘Illegal Voting’: Opposition Protests Passage of Teacher Staff Amendment Bill

The Assam Legislative Assembly on Saturday witnessed high drama as opposition MLAs staged a walkout and AIUDF legislators were suspended, following the passage of the Teacher Staff Provincialisation Amendment & Fee Regulation Bill amid allegations of irregularities.

The controversy began when the Bill, aimed at provincialising venture schools, formalising teacher posts, increasing tutors’ salaries, and regulating school fees, was taken up for voting. Opposition leaders accused the government of bypassing democratic norms.

Debabrata Saikia, Leader of the Opposition, criticised the government for failing to introduce a fresh education law despite a 2017 promise.

“In 2017, the government announced a new education bill. Instead, they have simply amended the old Act,” Saikia said.

He also alleged that several BJP MLAs, who were not present in the chamber, were “brought in forcefully” to vote.

“Even after the Speaker’s call, many ruling members were absent. Those outside were rushed into the House to cast their votes. This is completely illegal. That is why we walked out,” Saikia said, adding that CCTV footage would reveal the truth.

The opposition also accused the government of mishandling tribal issues.

“They had promised to grant tribal status within six months. That promise has not been fulfilled. Instead, they are dividing indigenous communities. This is highly condemnable,” Saikia added.

Jakir Hussain Sikdar, Congress MLA, said the opposition demanded that all venture schools be provincialised and that the amendments be made to ensure teachers are treated with dignity.

“MLAs were holding placards inside the House, calling for teachers to live with respect and for provincialised laws to be implemented. But our suggestions were ignored,” Sikdar said.

CPI(M) MLA Manoranjan Talukdar warned that venture schools in Assam are at risk of permanent closure.

“No advice from the opposition was considered. Even after the Speaker’s instructions, BJP MLAs rushed in from outside to pass the Bill. If the Education Minister himself makes misleading statements, how can the system function?” Talukdar said.

Following protests and discussions by four key education-related MLAs, the AIUDF legislators were suspended. The discussions had focused on:

• Provincialisation of schools

• Provincialisation of teacher posts

• Increase in tutors’ salaries

• Teacher transfers

The Speaker also warned that protest in the Assembly should not turn into “an attack on proceedings.”

Despite the uproar, the Teacher Staff Provincialisation Amendment & Fee Regulation Bill was passed by voice vote amid sloganeering, placard protests, and a walkout by opposition parties.

It may be noted that the Assam Legislative Assembly passed the aforementioned Bill, along with the Fee Regulation Bill, paving the way for the provincialisation of posts, but not the institutions themselves.

Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, while presenting the details in the House, clarified that the base year for provincialisation will remain unchanged.

“The base year will continue to be 1 January 2006,” he said.

Currently, Assam has 55,198 educational institutions across the state. The minister emphasised that the new legislation does not aim to provincialise the schools themselves, but only the posts of teachers and staff.

Also Read: LIVE UPDATES | What Changes in Assam’s New Education Bill? Posts Provincialised, Fee Caps Revised