In a significant move aimed at optimizing educational infrastructure and improving resource utilization, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh has ordered the closure of 386 government-run schools that reported zero student enrolment in the current academic year.
Announced by the Department of Education on Monday evening, this sweeping decision follows an extensive audit conducted through the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE). The audit revealed that hundreds of schools across the state had remained inactive for multiple academic years, with not a single student enrolled.
A Data-Driven Approach to Rationalization
The closure of these schools is part of a broader school rationalisation initiative, designed to ensure better deployment of teaching staff and educational resources. The state education department emphasized that keeping these non-functional institutions open posed questions about both administrative relevance and financial sustainability.
“These schools had not recorded any enrollment for multiple academic sessions, raising concerns over their administrative relevance and financial viability,” a senior official from the education department explained.
District-Wise Impact
The closures span nearly every district in Arunachal Pradesh, from interior tribal regions to remote border zones. The affected institutions include a mix of primary, upper primary, middle, and secondary schools.
Some of the hardest-hit districts include:
West Kameng: 73 schools closed
Papum Pare: 50 closures
West Siang: 31 closures
Upper Subansiri and Siang: 28 closures each
East Kameng: 23 closures
Kurung Kumey: 22 closures
Changlang: 16 closures
Upper Siang: 15 closures
Pakke Kessang and Leparada: 12 closures each
Tawang: 11 closures
Other districts such as Kra Daadi (8), Shi-Yomi (7), Lower Siang, Tirap, Kamle, and Anjaw (5 each), Capital Complex (4), East Siang (2), and a single school each in Namsai and Dibang Valley also saw institutions shuttered.
NEP 2020: Guiding the Decision
This move is aligned with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for the rationalisation and consolidation of educational institutions to improve quality and efficiency. Under the NEP framework, the goal is not just to increase the number of schools, but to ensure each institution is adequately staffed, resourced, and positioned to deliver meaningful academic outcomes.
“Closing these dormant schools will allow for better deployment of teachers, more effective monitoring, and an overall improved learning environment in functioning schools,” said another education department official.
Redeployment and Student Accommodation
To mitigate any unintended consequences of this decision, the Department of Education has issued instructions to all Deputy Directors of School Education (DDSEs) and Block Education Officers (BEOs) to physically close the schools and redeploy staff where required.
In the event that students have recently enrolled in any of the affected institutions, the government has assured that these children will be relocated to the nearest functional schools. “We are committed to ensuring that no child’s education is disrupted,” the official added.
A Wake-Up Call for Future Planning
While the closures might seem drastic, they reflect a larger truth about the shifting demographics and population distribution in Arunachal Pradesh. Many of the schools were set up years ago when communities were more densely settled or had higher numbers of school-going children. Over time, factors such as migration, urbanization, and changing social patterns have led to a decline in enrolment in certain areas.
This move may serve as a precedent for other states facing similar issues. It highlights the importance of not only expanding access to education but also maintaining a dynamic infrastructure that adapts to changing realities on the ground.
Reactions and Way Forward
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Some educators and civil society members welcomed the move, citing better utilization of government resources and improvement in learning outcomes. Others raised concerns about the potential long-term impacts on rural education access and whether transport facilities and school distances were being sufficiently addressed in the rationalisation plan.
The government has maintained that the rationalisation exercise will be an ongoing process, reviewed periodically based on enrolment data and ground-level realities. A stronger monitoring mechanism and community engagement will be critical in ensuring the success of this strategy.
Conclusion
The closure of 386 zero-enrolment schools marks a pivotal moment in Arunachal Pradesh’s education policy. As the state moves forward with a renewed focus on efficiency and quality, the hope is that this decision will pave the way for a more robust and impactful educational framework—one that meets the needs of students today and in the years to come.
Tags: Arunachal Pradesh, School Closure, Education News, NEP 2020, Education Reform, Rural Education, Indian States Education Policy
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