Lucknow: The Basic Education Department has initiated the process of merging 445 government primary and upper primary schools in Lucknow where the student count is 50 or fewer. These students will be shifted to nearby schools from July. In BKT block alone, a list of 64 nearby schools has already been sent to the Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) office.
Similar data is being compiled for the remaining seven blocks and urban areas. Teachers’ unions have expressed concern, alleging that the move is effectively a closure of schools under the guise of consolidation.
According to BSA Ram Pravesh, the goal is to enhance educational quality. Instructions were given by Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar to pair low enrollment schools with nearby institutions.
Authorities have been directed to ensure that geographical barriers like rivers, highways, or railway tracks do not hinder student access. Despite concerns, the department has promised that facilities in merged schools will be expanded to include anganwadi centres, play areas, libraries, and additional teaching staff.
Teacher associations, however, have begun opposing the move, calling for a review.
