Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma on Monday said the enrollment in the primary school has come down drastically as 168 primary schools and 101 upper primary schools reporting less than 10 students enrollment in each.
The Minister said this is as per the data from the Ministry of Education and the Education department will verify the data and take necessary steps.
“This is really alarming in the state, the primary school enrolment has come down drastically, as per the data, we have 168 primary schools with less than 10 students enrolment, similarly, 101 upper primary schools also have low enrolment of students,” Sangma said.
Asked, he said, closing these schools may not be the solution but the state Government, particularly the education department needs to study this and focus on infrastructure and teacher availability.
“After verifying all the issues I think the state Government can take steps but schools’ having less enrolment is a matter of concern,” he added.
Asked about merging of schools due to low enrolment, Sangma stated that it is not possible because some schools are located in remote or inaccessible areas, however, some schools have undergone this process.
“Some schools can be situated at the top of a hill with distances of 5 to 10 kilometres, so it would be difficult for them to commute every day,” he added.