Introduction

• Government school closures have emerged as a major concern, with nearly 94,000 schools closed over the past decade, largely due to school rationalisation under NEP 2020.
• While rationalisation seeks efficient resource utilisation, it raises concerns regarding access, equity, and the Right to Education (RTE).

Significance of School Rationalisation

• Efficient Resource Utilisation: Reduces underutilised schools and optimises teachers and infrastructure.
• Improved Learning Environment: Consolidation may provide better facilities, laboratories, and qualified teachers.
• Administrative Efficiency: Simplifies school management and improves resource allocation.
• NEP 2020 Alignment: Supports school complexes/clusters for integrated educational delivery.

Challenges of Government School Closures

• Reduced Access: Closure of neighbourhood schools forces children to travel longer distances, particularly in rural and tribal areas.
• Marginalised Communities Affected: SCs, STs, OBCs, Muslims, and economically weaker sections depend predominantly on government schools.
• Gender Concerns: Increased travel distance disproportionately affects girls' enrolment and retention.
• Rise in Dropouts: Migration, poverty, and inaccessible schools increase the risk of children leaving education.
• RTE Concerns: Weakens the neighbourhood school principle and exposes limitations in implementing free and compulsory education.

Way Forward

• Ensure rationalisation without compromising neighbourhood schools.
• Fill teacher vacancies and strengthen infrastructure in existing government schools.
• Revitalise School Management Committees (SMCs) and community participation.
• Use UDISE+ data to identify vulnerable children and prevent dropouts.
• Increase investment in digital learning, transport facilities, and inclusive education.

Conclusion

Administrative efficiency must be balanced with the constitutional goal of equitable and accessible education. Rationalisation should strengthen—not weaken—the Right to Education, ensuring that no child is deprived of quality schooling due to geography or socio-economic disadvantage.