State's New Strategy: Retired and Unemployed Teachers to Support Schools with Low Enrollment

Commitment to Communities: Government Responds to Educational Needs Amid Protests

The Government is trying to serve its communities by ensuring that schools remain operational and students can continue their studies, especially in remote areas where access to education may already be limited. For this,  the government is considering lowering the minimum number of students required for schools in hilly areas from 20 to 15 to prevent closures or transfers. For minority-run schools, the minimum enrollment might also be reduced from 30 to 20. By lowering the threshold, the government hopes that educational accessibility will be maintained and more students will be attracted to the schools as mentioned by School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar.

The Education Minister met with unaided teachers who have been protesting at Azad Maidan for over a month due to unmet demands, including the phased release of grants. While unaided schools and junior colleges have been seeking 100% government aid, the state had previously announced financial support of up to 60% in 2019.

More than 14,000 schools with low enrollment had been identified and due to ongoing protests, the decision was taken to relocate students to nearby schools within one to three kilometers alongside the requirement of having at least 20 students would be revised to 15 for hilly areas. For schools with low enrolment, the state is recruiting retired and unemployed teachers, in addition to one full-time teacher. This step will help the teachers to start their teaching journey again after retirement empowering them as well.

Editor's Note:

The government is committed to making education accessible for all, this is reflected in recent considerations by lowering the minimum enrollment requirements for schools in hilly areas and minority-run institutions. By addressing the challenges faced by schools with low enrollment, the government aims to prevent closures and support communities that rely on these educational institutions. The ongoing protest with unaided teachers underscores the importance of fulfilling educational demands and ensuring that resources are available for all students. 

Skoobuzz agrees that for accessible education, it is crucial to recognize the role of community support and appreciates the government initiatives in shaping a brighter future for youth.