Over 4,000 schools to get the axe in Telangana

In the coming academic year, around 4,200 government schools in Telangana State are expected to face the axe.

The Department of School Education conducted a survey recently in 19,000 schools of the State which showed 4,200 schools enrolling between 0 and 20. In 400 schools, there was zero enrolment while nearly 1,100 schools enrollment varied between 1 and 10 students and 2,700 schools for 11-20 students. According to the GO No. 6 issued in September 2014, if the primary schools have strength in between 1 - 20, high schools with less than 75 students; the schools will shut down and under rationalization process the students would be accommodated in the neighboring schools.

However, as the teachers union resolutely stood against the move by the government, the GO was kept in a state of suspension. The Government is ready to take a final call on the issue with the recent report showcasing some worrisome figures.

The officials of the School Education Department stated that at least 800 teachers have been working in the schools having zero enrollments. An official added that there is no use of teachers without any students in the schools. Hence they will be merged into neighborhood schools.