Overview of the Department

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The Department of Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes (WPT&BC) is the nodal department for formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for welfare and development of the Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and Other backward Classes in the State. The department is vested with the responsibilities of implementing the provisions of the Assam SC/ST Reservation Act, 1978 and rules framed there under. The department is also responsible for implementation of Tribal Sub Plan and Scheduled Castes Sub Plan Components of the State Annual Plan, Central Government and State Government funded programmes for the Welfare of SC/ST/OBC in the State. Going in line with the sentiment of our constitution and understanding the need of education for up-liftmen of backward people Government of Assam is undertaking various schemes for the benefit of the students belonging to the SCs, STs and OBCs. To ensure that education is not denied due to the poor financial condition of their families, scholarships are provided at both pre-metric and post-metric levels. Scholarships are also provided to students for obtaining higher education in India and abroad, including premier educational institutions. Opening of schools, development of existing school facilities, construction of hostels, computer training, skill development training etc are some other activities undertaken under various schemes and programes by the Government.

To bridge the digital divide and to provide help of modern technology in learning WPT&BC department is launching an ambitious project in the name “eBidyarthi”.
There are two parts in eBidyarthi project.

For IX and X department is providing tablet PC to selected ST, SC and OBC students of class IX who are studying under Secondary Education Board of Assam in any of the three vernaculars medium Assamese, Bodo and Bengali. The tablet PCs will be loaded with e-books of the same language the student has opted to study for class IX and X. The tablet PC will take care of books required by the student in class IX and X. Audio-Visual content with animated explanations will be a part of the tablet PC.

For XI and XII, department is creating online course materials (via website and mobile application) for ST and OBC students of class XI and XII who are studying under Assam Higher Secondary Education Council in any medium Assamese or English and in any of the stream Science, Arts or commerce. Online e-books of the same language the student has opted to study will be available along with audio-Visual content with animated explanations. Interactive self assessment section and discussion forums are part of the project which will help students to take help of experts in solving their queries.

This website is mainly delegated to students of class XI and XII. Students of class XI and X can utilise it to reload their tablet with required books and meet their queries.