The Uttar Pradesh government has decided that schools with more than 50 enrollments or located more than 1 km apart will not be merged. Teachers' jobs will be secure, and child care centers and libraries will be opened in the schools.
UP: The state government has taken a major and clear decision regarding the basic education policy of Uttar Pradesh. Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh has clarified that now, no school in the state with more than 50 students enrolled will be merged. Also, schools located more than one kilometer apart will not be merged together.
Clear Decision Comes After Chief Minister's Instructions
Clear instructions regarding the school merger process were issued by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during a recent review meeting with officials of the Basic Education Department. In compliance with the same, Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh and Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar clarified the entire policy while interacting with the media on Thursday.
Merger of Schools with Less Than 50 Enrollments Completed
Sandeep Singh informed that more than 10,000 schools with less than 50 enrollments under the Basic Education Council have been merged so far in the state. These schools have either been merged into nearby schools or will be used as child care centers, libraries, or pre-primary education centers.
Establishment of Child Care Centers and Libraries
In schools where it is not possible to establish child care centers, libraries will be opened. These libraries will provide materials related to children's literature, picture books, general knowledge, and inspirational stories so that children can get an enriching environment.
Work is Underway on School Pairing
The process of school pairing is also under discussion in the state. In the initial phase, 5000 schools were selected for pairing. Sandeep Singh informed that this scheme has also been implemented in other states, such as 20,000 schools in Rajasthan and 36,000 schools in Madhya Pradesh being paired. In Uttar Pradesh too, this scheme is being implemented based on the balance of the number of children and teachers.
No Pairing Beyond 1 Kilometer Distance
The Education Minister stated that schools located more than one kilometer apart will not be paired. Also, the ratio of students to teachers will be kept balanced. The government's goal is to ensure a system of one teacher for every 30 students.
132886 Schools Will Remain Fully Functional
There are a total of 132886 basic schools in the state, all of which will remain fully active. Where there is a problem of resources or distance, the pairing process will not be done. The target has been set to complete this work in one month.
Teachers' Jobs are Secure
The Education Minister clarified that no teacher will lose their job. No post will be terminated. Teachers from the schools that have been merged are being adjusted in other schools with their consent. So far, more than 20,000 teachers have been adjusted.
Resolution of Parents' Concerns
Sandeep Singh said that the complaints of parents are also being taken seriously in this process. The Education Department in each district is ready to solve their problems. Criticizing the previous governments, he said that the education system then was in disarray, while the current government is constantly working to bring about changes in education.
"Operation Kayakalp" Transformed the Look of Schools
The Minister said that under "Operation Kayakalp," basic facilities have been strengthened in basic schools. Since 2017, there has been a significant improvement in facilities such as drinking water, toilets, and buildings in schools. Today, 96 percent of the schools in the state have all the necessary facilities.
27.53 Lakh Children Enrolled
So far, 2.753 million children have been enrolled in government schools in the state. The government's goal is that every child receives quality education under the Right to Education.
