The Education component is looking after by Shri. Phanindra Bujar Baruah, Member of the Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR). It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of children, particularly in the realm of education. Under the CPCR Act, 2005, and the Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009, the ASCPCR's education component focuses on several key areas:

1. Monitoring Implementation of RTE Act: The ASCPCR oversees the implementation of the RTE Act in Assam, ensuring that all children have access to free and compulsory education. This includes monitoring the availability of schools, teacher-student ratios, infrastructure, and the quality of education provided.
2. Addressing Violations of Right to Education: The ASCPCR investigates complaints related to violations of the Right to Education, such as denial of admission, discrimination, child labor, and dropout rates. They take necessary actions to ensure that children's right to education is upheld.
3. Monitoring Specific Violations of RTE Act: The ASCPCR actively monitors specific violations of the RTE Act, including:
   • Corporal Punishment: The Commission works to eradicate corporal punishment in schools and promotes positive discipline practices.
   • Mid-Day Meal Scheme: The ASCPCR ensures the proper implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, monitoring the quality and quantity of food provided to students.
   • 25% Reservation for Weaker Sections: The Commission monitors private schools to ensure compliance with the 25% reservation for weaker sections.
   • Cyber Security and Awareness: The ASCPCR promotes cyber security awareness among students and works to prevent cyber bullying and online harassment.
4. Promoting Child-Friendly Schools: The ASCPCR works towards creating child-friendly school environments by promoting non-violent discipline, inclusive education, and the overall well-being of children.
5. Sensitization and Awareness: The ASCPCR conducts workshops, seminars, and campaigns to raise awareness about the Right to Education and child rights. It target various stakeholders, including teachers, parents and community members, to promote a child-friendly and education-focused society.
6. Awareness on NEP 2020: The ASCPCR plays an active role in creating awareness about the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 among stakeholders, especially parents and teachers. It organize workshops and seminars to explain the key features of the NEP, such as the focus on foundational literacy and numeracy, the emphasis on experiential learning, and the promotion of vocational education.
7. Collaboration with Stakeholders: The ASCPCR collaborates with government departments, NGOs, and other organizations to strengthen the education system and ensure the protection of children's rights. This includes working with the Education Department to address issues related to infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development.

By fulfilling these functions, the ASCPCR plays a vital role in ensuring that every child in Assam has access to quality education and a safe learning environment, thereby contributing to their overall development and well-being.

Surveys Conducted by ASCPCR
The ASCPCR has undertaken significant survey initiatives to assess and improve the state of education in Assam:

1. Survey on Key Educational Factors: Every year, the Education component of ASCPCR conducts survey on the implementation of RTE act 2009 and Child Protection mechanism in the schools across different districts of Assam, covering around 1,200 schools per year. The survey examined aspects such as teacher and student factors, physical infrastructure, drinking water and sanitation, educational quality and facilities, involvement of School Management Committees (SMCs), school dropouts, and students supported by the Samagra Siksha Abhiyan (SSA).
2. Survey on Dropouts (2020–2023): A comprehensive study of Lower Primary (LP) and Upper Primary schools in Morigaon, Nalbari, Cachar, Sribhumi, Hailakandi and Dhubri districts, focusing on dropout rates.
3. Survey on Physical Infrastructure: Evaluated physical infrastructure in LP schools, specifically regarding the implementation of NEP 2020 and Early Childhood Education.

Activities during COVID period:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Education component of the Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) actively engaged in addressing the challenges faced by children and educators in adapting to the new realities of online education. Recognizing the significant impact of the pandemic on the education sector, the Commission undertook the following initiatives:
1. Webinar on the Implementation of Online Education
The ASCPCR organized webinars with teachers from various schools to discuss the implementation of online education. These sessions focused on identifying challenges, sharing best practices and ensuring effective teaching methodologies in a virtual environment.
2. Webinar with School Students on the Impact of Online Education
Engaging directly with school students, the ASCPCR conducted webinars to understand the impact of online education on learning outcomes, mental health and overall well-being. These interactions provided valuable insights into students' experiences and the barriers they faced, such as digital accessibility and engagement.
3. Monthly Virtual Lectures and Group Discussions on Motivational Topics
To support students and educators during this challenging time, the ASCPCR organized monthly virtual lectures and group discussions on motivational topics. These sessions aimed to inspire resilience, promote mental well-being, and encourage a positive outlook amidst the uncertainties of the pandemic.
Recommendations to the Government of Assam
Based on the insights gained through these activities, the ASCPCR submitted a set of comprehensive recommendations to the Government of Assam. These recommendations aimed to address gaps in online education, improve digital access and ensure the continuity of quality education during and beyond the pandemic.
Through these initiatives, the ASCPCR demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding children's educational rights and promoting their well-being during an unprecedented global crisis.