The Uttar Pradesh government has announced plans to close approximately 27,000 primary schools with fewer than 50 students to consolidate resources and improve educational infrastructure. This initiative, led by the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Department, aims to merge these under-enrolled schools with nearby institutions, optimizing facilities and staff allocation.
Key Details of the Plan
Objective:
To streamline resources by merging primary schools with low enrollments (fewer than 50 students) into nearby schools with larger student populations, creating a more effective educational framework.
Leadership and Directives:
Kanchan Verma, Director General of Education, chaired a review meeting on October 23. She directed all Block School Administrators (BSAs) to assess and prepare for the planned mergers. This move aligns with the Union government’s recommendations to consolidate infrastructure for efficient resource use.
Upcoming Meetings:
The consolidation proposal will be further reviewed in a District Basic Education Officers meeting scheduled for November 13 or 14. Officials noted that over 300 out of 1,618 government primary and upper primary schools in the state capital alone are expected to be merged as part of this initiative.
Additional Measures
Demolition of Dilapidated Buildings:
Plans are in place to demolish structurally unsound school buildings, with a deadline set for completion within a month.
Enrollment Data:
The meeting revealed that current enrollment across all primary and upper primary schools in Uttar Pradesh is 1.49 crore.
Government Expectations:
The Central government has mandated that all schools be fully functional and resource-efficient. As part of this directive, officials will prioritize merging schools with low enrollments, focusing on:
- Proximity to nearby schools for minimal travel impact on students.
- Availability of adequate facilities, such as classroom space and staff.
- A structured, district-wide assessment to facilitate smooth transitions.
Documentation and Reporting:
Each school under consideration will be reviewed, with officials preparing a one-page report detailing the merger plans. These individual reports will be compiled into a district-level booklet, providing a comprehensive overview of all proposed consolidations.
Conclusion
This consolidation effort marks a significant shift in Uttar Pradesh’s approach to managing educational resources, with an emphasis on creating fully functional, resource-efficient schools that serve the community more effectively.