Shimla: In a significant restructuring move, the Himachal Pradesh government is set to merge 316 middle schools with less than 10 students into nearby institutions located between two to seven kilometers away. The Directorate of Elementary Education has submitted a proposal to the state government, emphasizing the need for resource optimization and efficiency in the education system.
These schools currently have 2,116 students and 813 teachers, with many institutions employing three to five teachers despite having only a handful of students. Officials argue that merging these schools will help streamline teaching resources, but for students, the change comes with uncertainty and emotional distress.
“I have been studying here since first grade. This school is like my second home,” said 12-year-old Priya from a small village in Mandi. “The thought of traveling to another school far from my home scares me.”
Shimla district tops the list with 97 schools marked for closure, followed by Kangra with 51, Mandi with 43, and Lahaul-Spiti with 25. In the Keylong block of Lahaul-Spiti, three teachers teach a single student, while Udaipur has six teachers for nine children.
Many students, particularly in remote regions, are worried about longer commutes and adjusting to a new school environment. “Our teachers know us personally. It feels like we are losing a family,” said Rajan, a seventh grader from Chamba.
Parents have also raised concerns about accessibility and safety. “These schools may have fewer students, but they are vital for our villages. Walking long distances in harsh weather conditions will be difficult for our children,” said Ramesh Thakur, a parent from Lahaul-Spiti.
The final decision will be made before the new academic session begins, with officials assuring that student welfare will be prioritized.
