Arunachal plans to merge low enrolment schools in bid to improve education sector

Itanagar: Arunachal education minister Pasang Dorjee Sona advised the deputy directors of school education (DDSEs) of Papum Pare and Itanagar Capital Region to prepare merger plans after thorough ground verifications, prioritising the welfare of students. Addressing senior district officials during a follow-up meeting on key strategies formulated during the Chintan Shivir held from Aug 8 to 10, Sona emphasised that this review is essential for creating a more responsive and efficient education system that prioritises students' needs. The follow-up meeting marked a significant step towards consolidating various factors, including the merger of low and zero enrolment schools, assessing the impact on local communities, and addressing infrastructural and manpower gaps to foster better learning environments and access to quality education. "The school merger plans should be practical and not hypothetical. Plans should be devoid of cultural, social, and political differences," Sona stated, urging stakeholders, including panchayat leaders and Education department officials, to diligently prepare the plans. Sona acknowledged that while the outcomes of the exercises under the Chintan Shivir might be slow, there will be tangible improvements in the education sector in the coming years. "Our current focus is to improve the quality of education at the elementary level. This is our first step in this direction," he said, seeking cooperation from all. He also announced that the improvement of kitchen sheds and welfare measures for cooks under PM Poshan is under consideration. Itanagar MLA Techi Kaso appealed to the minister to make the twin capital of Itanagar-Naharlagun an education hub. Sagalee MLA Ratu Techi and Papum Pare Zilla Parishad chairperson Nabam Yakum also spoke at the event. During the meeting, Itanagar Capital Region DDSE Sorang Tapi Zara and Papum Pare DPC Tang Moromi gave presentations on the merger plans for schools under ICR and Papum Pare, respectively. The meeting was attended by education commissioner Amjad Tak, education secretary Duly Kamduk, Papum Pare deputy commissioner Jiken Bomjen, Itanagar Capital Region deputy commissioner Talo Potom, officials of the education department, panchayat leaders, and CBOs. It is noteworthy that Arunachal Pradesh has over 2,800 govt-run lower primary, upper primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools, with over 7,600 regular teachers and over 5,900 ISSE (SSA) teachers. Around 600 schools, which were either non-functional or had zero and low enrolments, have been closed down in the last few years.