700 govt schools closed in 2 yrs

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, July 18

The Education Department has closed 700 government schools in the last two years and shifted students of these schools to nearby campuses.

PK Das, Financial Commissioner, Secondary Education, has admitted that 700 schools were merged with other schools in accordance with the criteria. “Schools located on the same campus or adjoining building have been merged. Similarly, villages with more schools have also been merged,” he said.

The state government reportedly closed down 169 government primary schools during the last academic session.

However, sources cite low enrolment in government schools as the main reason for their merger. Brijpal Parmar, an education activist, says, “Private schools overshadow government schools in the state. Government schools should focus on improving infrastructure and quality of education”.

A maximum of 28 primary schools were closed in Mahendergarh district, followed by 18 schools each in Bhiwani, Gurugram and Rohtak districts. As many as 14 schools were merged into adjoining schools in Mewat district.

The Education Department figures of enrolment declined in government schools from 12 lakh in 2014-15 to 9.5 lakh in 2015-16.

A teacher says department officials told them to either improve strength or face transfer.

Vinod Thakran, president of the Rajkiya Prathmik Adhyapak Sangh, says that instead of merging schools, the focus should be on improving infrastructure. “Primary classes are yet to receive textbooks even four months after the new session started. Teachers are assigned non-teaching tasks,” adds Thakran.

Das says enrolment in government schools has improved this year.