Arunachal Pradesh’s Education Minister, Pasang Dorjee Sona, has announced plans to merge schools with low enrolment rates as part of efforts to enhance the state’s public education system. This initiative, aimed at improving education quality and resource allocation, was highlighted during Sona’s visit to the Upper Siang district, where he discussed the state’s broader vision for education reform.
Merging Schools to Optimise Resources
Sona explained that the consolidation of schools with low enrolment is a key strategy in addressing challenges related to infrastructure, teacher shortages, and education quality. “We aim to provide quality education to every child from the elementary level by merging primary schools and improving infrastructure and human resources,” Sona stated during his visit to Yingkiong.
This move aligns with the recommendations from the state’s recent ‘Chintan Shivir,’ a three-day educational workshop held in August, which focused on elevating education standards across Arunachal Pradesh. Sona’s district tour is part of an ongoing mission to gather local insights and ensure the smooth implementation of these reforms.
Mission Mode to Merge Schools
Sona emphasised that the school consolidation process must be handled pragmatically, with careful consideration of factors like infrastructure, land availability, and access to basic amenities. The minister urged that this initiative should be executed in “mission mode” to secure a brighter future for the state’s students.
Education Advisor Mutchu Mithi echoed Sona’s sentiments, stressing the need to shift focus from quantity to improving the quality of education in Arunachal Pradesh.
Addressing Infrastructure and Teacher Shortages
During the visit, Deputy Director of School Education, Duhon Tekseng, raised concerns about teacher shortages and inadequate infrastructure, particularly the lack of science streams at Mariyang Government Higher Secondary School. Sona has previously mentioned that over 600 schools have been merged or closed due to low enrolment.
Currently, Arunachal Pradesh has over 2,800 government schools, but the state is facing a shortage of 414 trained graduate teachers and 186 postgraduate teachers, particularly in Maths and Science subjects.
By consolidating schools and focusing on quality improvements, the state government aims to create a more effective education system that better serves students across Arunachal Pradesh.
