BAGESHWAR: As many as 19 govt schools in Almora and 11 in Bageshwar have shut down due to lack of student enrolment for the new academic session. The closure of schools in Uttarakhand's hill districts comes even as there are efforts by state govt to improve the quality of education in the these regions, hit by migration.
The situation is especially dire in Bageshwar, where around 100 schools are at risk of closure as many of them have less than ten students, according to sources. Further, over 90 schools are operating without a teacher and more than 180 have only one teacher. Initiatives like "admission festivals" at the start of each academic session have yet to significantly boost enrolment numbers.
These closures have especially impacted students in remote areas. Kripal Singh, from a small village in Bageshwar, said his grandson had to be transferred to a school situated far away from their house as their local school shut down due to low enrolment. "Now, we have to face a lot of difficulties in commuting," he added.
Another local resident, Ashok Lohani, said many of the closed schools had been around for a long time, some going back as far as 70 to 80 years. He said families with modest means have been hit hardest, as they can't afford private education for their children.
Bageshwar's district education officer (primary) Vinay Kumar said that efforts are ongoing to increase student enrolment in govt schools. "If we can attract more students in the future, we will consider reopening these schools," he added. Kumar further said that the district will soon receive 187 new teachers, which may help alleviate the shortage of teachers.
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