Assam to merge primary schools with fewer than 30 students

The Assam government has launched a new school rationalization drive, directing district education authorities to identify and merge government primary schools with fewer than 30 students enrolled.

The directive, issued by the Directorate of Elementary Education, was communicated to District Mission Coordinators and other district-level officials for immediate action, officials said on June 11.

The move is aimed at addressing declining enrollment in several government schools and improving the use of educational infrastructure, teaching staff, and other resources across the state.

Under the instructions, lower primary schools with student strength below 30 may be merged with nearby schools, provided the receiving institutions have sufficient infrastructure and the proposal is found to be feasible.

District authorities have been asked to prepare detailed reports on identified schools, including enrollment figures, teacher deployment, distance from neighboring institutions, and other logistical factors before any consolidation is carried out.

According to education department officials, the exercise is part of broader efforts to strengthen learning outcomes and improve the quality of education through more efficient allocation of resources.

Many government schools in Assam, especially in rural and remote areas, have recorded a steady decline in enrollment over the years. Officials attribute the trend to demographic shifts, migration, and increasing preference among families for private schools.

As a result, a number of schools continue to operate with very small student populations despite having sanctioned teaching posts and infrastructure in place.

The government has said that the merger process will be implemented in a manner that does not disrupt students' education. Accessibility and transportation concerns will also be considered wherever necessary while evaluating proposals.

The latest initiative forms part of the state's ongoing efforts to reform the school education system and improve institutional efficiency.

Similar consolidation measures have been undertaken in previous years to address the issue of underutilized government schools.

The Education Department is expected to review district-wise recommendations before taking a final call on the merger of schools identified under the exercise.