Arunachal's education minister advocates merging schools with low enrolment

Arunachal Pradesh's Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona stressed merging low-enrolment schools to improve education quality and optimise resources in the state's public education system.

In Short

• Arunachal pushes for merging low-enrolment schools
• Focus on quality over quantity in education reforms
• Over 600 schools already merged or closed

Merging schools with low enrolment rates is key to addressing challenges in Arunachal Pradesh’s public education system, according to Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona.

During a visit to Upper Siang district, Sona explained that this move is part of the state's broader vision to provide quality education by optimising resources and infrastructure.

“We aim to provide quality education to every child from elementary level by merging primary schools and improving infrastructure and human resources,” Sona said during his visit to Yingkiong.

The initiative follows the recommendations from the state’s recent 'Chintan Shivir,' a three-day educational workshop held in August, where stakeholders discussed strategies to elevate education standards across Arunachal Pradesh.

Sona is currently touring districts to gauge local opinions and gather insights on the ground. This, he said, would help ensure smooth implementation of the state's programmes.

“We’ve started a mission to connect with people in every district, so there are no obstacles when these programmes are rolled out,” he added.

MISSION MODE TO MERGE SCHOOLS

The minister highlighted that the merging of schools should be handled pragmatically, considering factors like infrastructure, land availability, and access to basic amenities.

Sona stressed that this consolidation process should be a "mission mode" initiative to secure a brighter future for students.

Education Advisor Mutchu Mithi echoed these sentiments, stating, “We need to shift our focus from quantity to improving the quality of education in the state.”

SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE AND TEACHER SHORTAGES

At the meeting, Deputy Director of School Education Duhon Tekseng raised concerns about teacher shortages and the need for better facilities, including science streams at Mariyang Government Higher Secondary School. Sona had previously mentioned that over 600 schools have already been merged or closed due to low enrolment.

With over 2,800 government schools in Arunachal Pradesh, the state is grappling with a shortage of 414 trained graduate teachers and 186 postgraduate teachers, particularly in Maths and Science.

(With PTI inputs)