India, Jan. 16 -- Assam Education Minister Dr Ranoj Pegu on Thursday emphasised the crucial role of teachers and community participation in strengthening government schools and making them the preferred choice for parents through quality, student-centred education.

Speaking after inaugurating the newly constructed Rs 8-crore main building of Bajali Higher Secondary School, Dr Pegu said government institutions form the backbone of Assam's education system, accounting for nearly 70 per cent of schools in the state.

He stressed that committed teaching, personal attention to students-particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds and students sitting on the back benches-can further improve academic performance in government schools...