Education in the Mising Autonomous Council (MAC) is a cornerstone of community development and empowerment. Recognising the importance of education in shaping the future of the Mising people, the MAC prioritises initiatives to improve access to quality education at all levels. The MAC focuses on enhancing infrastructure, providing adequate facilities and ensuring trained teaching staff in schools across the region.

The education scenario in the MAC area has been historically backward. With a large, predominantly rural and riverine population spread over the districts of Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Majuli and parts of upper Assam, the region has faced persistent challenges of inadequate school infrastructure, insufficient teaching staff, high dropout rates, limited access to higher education and low literacy among women. Census 2011 reports a literacy rate of around 72.70% in Dhemaji and 77.20% in Lakhimpur, both below the Assam state average, with gender disparity in education remaining a concern. The department strives to bridge these gaps through sustained investment in schools, scholarships and educational programmes.

Focus Areas

The MAC promotes both formal and informal education, covering primary, secondary and vocational streams to cater to the diverse needs of the community. Efforts are made to ensure that every child in the MAC area has access to schooling, adequate classrooms, learning materials and competent teachers. Special attention is given to:

• Construction, repair and upgradation of schools, hostels and educational buildings across the MAC area.
• Appointment of teachers and support staff to schools under the MAC to bridge the shortage of trained personnel.
• Promotion of pre-primary, primary, middle and high school education in every village, including remote char and riverine habitations.
• Introduction of vocational and skill-development courses to equip youth with employable skills.
• Support for adult literacy and non-formal education programmes to improve the overall literacy rate of the region.

Preserving Mising Language and Culture in Education

The MAC emphasises the preservation and promotion of the Mising language, culture and traditional knowledge within the educational framework. Special attention is given to incorporating indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices into the curriculum, fostering pride and identity among Mising students. Efforts include supporting schools that teach in the Mising language alongside Assamese and English, promoting cultural activities in schools and integrating traditional arts, folklore and community history into classroom teaching.

Tabu Taid Shiksha Jyoti Asoni — The Flagship Scholarship

The MAC has introduced the Tabu Taid Shiksha Jyoti Asoni (TABU TAID SIKSHAJYOTI ASONI), its flagship educational support scheme, named in honour of the renowned Mising educationist, linguist and author Tabu Taid. The scheme provides financial incentives and scholarships to meritorious students from the Mising community who have secured 60% and above marks in the HSLC and HS examinations. Applications are accepted online through the MAC Scholarship Portal (macasp.org) and the official social media channels of the MAC. The scheme aims to encourage higher education, promote academic excellence and ensure equal opportunity for meritorious students from both within and outside the MAC area. Along with this, the department supports other scholarships, stipends and financial assistance programmes for students pursuing higher and professional education.

Way Forward

By investing in education, the MAC aims to empower future generations, enhance human capital and promote socio-economic progress within the Mising community. Education serves as a pathway to opportunity, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the challenges of the modern world while preserving the cultural heritage and identity of the Mising people. Going forward, the department will continue to expand school infrastructure, strengthen the teaching workforce, improve learning outcomes, widen scholarship coverage and promote inclusive education that leaves no child behind.