Over 270 primary schools in Meghalaya register low student enrolment: Meghalaya Education Minister

A total of 168 primary schools have less than 10 students' enrolments, and 101 upper primary schools have less than 10 students' enrolments

Enrollment in primary school has come down drastically in Meghalaya. A total of 168 primary schools have less than 10 students’ enrolments, and 101 upper primary schools have less than 10 students’ enrolments, as per the data from the Ministry of Education, Meghalaya Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma informed on Monday.

Responding to a query on whether the state education department will be closing these schools, Sangma said, “Closing may not be the solution. But we have to study how it has happened. Is it because of the infrastructure? Teachers, after verifying all the issues, the government can take a step.”

Replying to the question of whether the government is looking for options of consolidation of schools with fewer students, the education minister said that many schools have been merged, however, he added that considering other factors like geographical locations, it cannot be implemented in all.

Further, he added that it will be the environment of the schools that will bring the students back to school.

On being asked about the total number of students enrolled across the state, Sangma said, “All these data are right now with me. But we will verify and look into this matter. We will take appropriate steps to verify the reasons and issues behind this, and we will send our officers to verify all these.”

Edited by – Haynashree Narjary

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