Guwahati, Assam – Over 2,900 government schools in Assam have undergone mergers or amalgamations with nearby institutions over the last five years. This strategic consolidation aims to ensure optimal utilisation of available educational resources. Union Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, confirmed these figures in a written response to a question in Lok Sabha on Monday.
The merger process impacted schools across different educational levels. A total of 2,774 elementary schools were merged or amalgamated during this five-year period. Additionally, 206 secondary schools were also included in this initiative. These actions represent a significant restructuring of the state’s public education landscape.
Assam’s Shiksha Khetra Scheme
The state government implemented these mergers under the Shiksha Khetra Scheme . This program targets specific situations within the school system. One primary focus is schools experiencing non-sustainable enrolment. These are institutions with very low student numbers, making efficient resource use challenging.
Another criterion for merger involves schools situated on the same campus or in very close proximity. Consolidating such schools creates a single, more efficient administrative and academic unit. This approach aligns with the norms and guidelines established by the Right To Education Act, 2009 , which mandates certain standards for school infrastructure and accessibility.
| School Category | Number of Schools Merged/Amalgamated (Last 5 Years) |
|---|---|
| Elementary Schools | 2,774 |
| Secondary Schools | 206 |
| Total Schools Merged/Amalgamated | 2,980 |
Goals: Resource Optimisation and Dropout Reduction
Minister Chaudhary emphasized that no government, provincialised primary, middle, high, or higher secondary schools in Assam have been permanently closed. The government’s policy focuses on rationalisation rather than closure. This rationalisation aims to optimise the deployment of teachers across the state.
By merging schools, authorities can ensure teachers are allocated more effectively. This avoids situations where a few teachers might be assigned to a school with very few students. The objective is to maximise the impact of teaching staff and improve the overall learning environment.
A key outcome expected from these mergers is a reduction in student dropout rates. By consolidating resources and teachers, the merged schools can offer improved facilities and a more robust educational experience. This can encourage students to remain enrolled and complete their schooling.
Ensuring Student Access and Compliance
The government guarantees that no student has been deprived of education due to these mergers or amalgamations. Officials ensure that after any merger, students face no difficulty pursuing their schooling. All affected students retain access to a school within the areas, adhering strictly to RTE Act norms regarding school distance and accessibility.
This systematic approach to school management aims to strengthen Assam’s education system. It seeks to create more viable and efficient educational units. The focus remains on providing quality education while making the best use of state resources.