Himachal government fixes minimum student count to shut low-strength schools

In a significant move to streamline the education system, the Himachal Pradesh government is planning to merge around 700 schools with fewer than five students.

The education department is currently mapping the distance between schools to facilitate this merger, with a proposal expected by the end of the month.

During a recent departmental review meeting, Education Minister Rohit Thakur directed the consolidation of schools, especially those with very low enrolment, located in close proximity to other schools. In the first phase, the focus will be on merging schools where student strength is below five.

This initial phase will affect about 700 schools, including approximately 80 schools with zero student enrolment.

Following this, the second phase will target schools with up to 10 students. According to the 2023 U-DISE report, student enrolment has dropped by 50,000 compared to 2022.

The decline, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, has led the state government to take this step to ensure efficient resource allocation and better education quality.

Departmental officials have stated that teachers from the merged schools will be reassigned to other schools with higher strength and ones facing staff shortage.

Students from the affected schools will be transferred to nearby schools, ensuring continuity in their education.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur emphasised the government’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards. “There will be no compromise on the quality of education.

The decision to merge schools is aimed at ensuring an adequate number of teachers in every school. Departmental officials have been asked to submit a report on this matter by the end of the month. Students from merged schools will be admitted to nearby schools,” said Thakur.