Assam Launches PMS Portal for Venture Schools

assam/">Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched the Provincialisation Management System (PMS) portal to address the long-standing issue of provincialisation of venture educational institutions and their staff. The digital platform aims to ensure transparency, accountability and efficiency in processing applications under the Assam Education (Provincialisation of Services of Teachers and Re-Organisation of Educational Institutions) Act, 2017, as amended in 2025. The launch took place at Lok Sewa Bhawan in the presence of Education Minister Ranoj Pegu and senior officials.

Digital Reform to Streamline Provincialisation

The PMS portal has been designed to create a centralised database of non-provincialised venture schools and colleges, along with their teaching and non-teaching staff. It will facilitate submission, monitoring and processing of applications in a structured manner. The government stated that the digital system would eliminate ambiguity and alleged irregularities that have historically affected the provincialisation process. Institutions eligible under the policy include venture LP, UP/ME schools, high schools, higher secondary schools and degree colleges.

Third Phase of Teacher Provincialisation

The Chief Minister highlighted that more than 50,000 teachers across primary, secondary and collegiate levels have been provincialised in phases since 2011. The current initiative represents the third and most comprehensive phase. However, eligibility remains restricted to institutions established prior to January 1, 2006. Applicants must furnish recognition certificates, land documents, academic performance records and staff credentials to qualify under the Act.

Gurudakshina Scheme and Welfare Measures

Acknowledging that not all applicants may meet the eligibility criteria, the government has introduced a ‘Gurudakshina’ scheme in the Vote-on-Account Budget presented on February 17. The scheme offers a financial package to those whose services cannot be provincialised. Additionally, a preferential marking system will be implemented to assist such manpower in securing other government employment opportunities. The initiative has been positioned as both a governance reform and a welfare intervention.

Important Facts for Exams

• Provincialisation refers to the process of bringing private venture institutions under full state control.
• The Assam Education Act, 2017 governs service provincialisation of teachers.
• Only institutions established before January 1, 2006 are eligible in the current phase.
• Over 50,000 teachers have been provincialised in Assam since 2011.

Political and Administrative Significance

The PMS portal is being viewed as a strategic administrative reform with political implications. By addressing demands of venture institution employees, the government seeks to consolidate support among teachers and educational stakeholders. The move underscores a focus on digital governance while maintaining legal and administrative discipline in managing public education services.