ABSU president K. Warry (Centre) addresses press conference held at Bodofa House in Kokrajhar, on Thursday.

Kokrajhar, May 7: The All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) has called for immediate action from the Assam government to protect the rights of students learning in Bodo medium, citing ongoing delays in the distribution of textbooks and essential educational resources.

During a press briefing at Bodofa House in Kokrajhar on Thursday, ABSU president K. Warry expressed concern over the lack of textbooks, stating that the absence of these materials, even a month into the academic year, constitutes a breach of the Right to Education as outlined in Article 21A of the Constitution and the RTE Act of 2009.

Warry noted, “Even though the academic year commenced a month ago, students have yet to receive their textbooks.” He mentioned that the union had previously submitted a memorandum to the chairman of the School Education Board of Assam, urging for prompt action.

ABSU has set a deadline of May 18 for the relevant authorities to respond to their requests, which coincides with the 63rd anniversary of Bodo Medium education's establishment in Assam.

Additionally, the union has requested that the Samagra Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) provide authentic Bodo Dokhona uniforms for secondary students in Classes IX to XII, as well as suitable cotton uniforms for elementary students.

ABSU criticized the previous distribution of polyester uniforms and emphasized the importance of honoring traditional attire, especially following the Geographical Indication (GI) recognition of the Bodo Dokhona.

Among other requests, the student organization called for the timely provision of school bags and stationery, the filling of vacant teaching positions in Bodo medium institutions from lower primary to postgraduate levels, and the assurance of quality education in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The union warned that any further neglect of Bodo-medium education would be unacceptable and indicated their readiness to approach the High Court with a writ petition if the issues are not resolved.