Arunachal Pradesh Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona announced the State Government has shut down approximately 600 schools due to non-functionality or zero enrolment. These closures are part of the government’s efforts to address low enrolment rates and improve the education system in the State.
In response to a query from Congress MLA Kumar Waii in the assembly, Sona stated that the government plans to close more schools with zero or low enrolment. He explained that around 600 such schools have already been closed or merged with other institutions.
The State has over 2,800 government-run schools, including lower primary, upper primary, secondary, and higher secondary levels, staffed by more than 7,600 regular teachers.
During the Question Hour, significant concerns about the State’s education system were raised. Addressing MLA Kumar Waii’s concerns about low enrolment rates and poor teacher-student ratios in village schools, Minister Sona acknowledged the issues and outlined the government’s proactive measures and future plans.
The minister announced the establishment of inter-village residential schools to provide a better learning environment, especially in areas with extremely low or zero enrolment. He emphasised his commitment to lead by example by initiating this plan in his constituency.
Sona also mentioned that the shortage of teachers is being managed through temporary appointments under the Mukhya Mantri Shiksha Kosh (MMSK). Additionally, the government has requested the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) to conduct recruitment exams for teachers.
