Why Students at This Assam School Pay Fees With Plastic

By Srimoyee Chowdhury 27 May 2025

In Assam’s Pamohi village, Akshar Forum lets students pay school fees with plastic waste — turning everyday trash into opportunity.

Founders Parmita Sarma and Mazin Mukhtar started the school in 2016 after seeing villagers burn plastic to stay warm.

Learning beyond books Each student brings 25 pieces of plastic waste per week — a rule that reduces pollution and builds sustainable habits.

Students turn plastic into eco-bricks and upcycled products like jewellery and planters — learning creativity and environmental awareness.

Alongside academics, students train in solar tech, tailoring, carpentry and more — skills that help support their families.

Older students teach younger ones and earn reward points — building leadership while reinforcing what they have learnt..

Changing the system These reward points can then be exchanged for snacks, stationery and essentials.

Akshar’s model is expanding to government schools in Delhi, with more states looking to adopt the approach.

What started as a response to plastic burning is now a blueprint for rethinking education, waste, and opportunity in India.