This consolidation will create inter-village schools, improving access to education and ensuring efficient use of resources.
The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has announced a strategic initiative to close and merge 600 primary schools with zero or minimal enrollment to optimize educational resources and improve education quality across the state. This move is part of a broader plan to enhance educational infrastructure and align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Significant population shifts from remote areas to newly established circle and district headquarters have resulted in declining enrollments in certain schools. To address this, the government will merge schools in less populated areas with those in more populous regions, enabling better resource allocation and addressing the educational needs of relocated students. This consolidation will create inter-village schools, improving access to education and ensuring efficient use of resources.
Minister of Education Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona stated, “After thorough deliberations with all stakeholders, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh decided to merge 336 schools to create inter-village schools that can serve multiple neighboring villages. This approach not only improves access to education but also allows for more efficient use of educational resources and infrastructure. The 398 schools closed had zero enrollment, and this move aligns with the NEP 2020 to enhance educational resource utilization. Clustering schools will foster better coordination, shared resources, and collective problem-solving, thereby improving overall educational outcomes.”
A key aspect of this initiative is the effective utilization of human resources. Schools with no students but two to three teachers are not making optimal use of valuable human resources. By merging schools and forming clusters, the government aims to better deploy teaching staff, ensuring educators are placed where they can have the greatest impact. The government is committed to maintaining equal proximity for all students, ensuring no one's educational opportunities are hindered.
In tandem with these changes, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh is dedicated to establishing new residential and inter-village schools to cater to the needs of students from multiple villages. These new schools will feature improved facilities, upgraded teaching standards, and enhanced learning environments, ensuring every student has access to quality education.
The recent state budget has allocated ₹2,139 crores for the education sector, earmarked for building new schools, upgrading existing infrastructures, and integrating advanced educational technologies.
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Abhay an alumnus of IIMC and Delhi University, has over a decade long experience of reporting on various beats of journalism. During his free time he prefers listening to music or play indoor and outdoor games.