Himachal Pradesh education department merges 58 schools amid low student numbers

Shimla, 03 September: The Himachal Pradesh elementary education department has taken the initiative to merge 58 middle schools in various districts due to a significant drop in student enrolment. The decision affects schools in Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Sirmaur, Shimla, Kinnaur, Solan and Una districts.

The department’s directive comes as part of a broader effort to optimize educational resources and provide a more effective learning environment to students. The schools to be merged had less than five students, making it difficult to continue educational activities effectively. To address the issue, the department has decided to integrate these schools with nearby institutions, so that students can get a better educational experience.

The list of schools to be merged was already released, and district deputy directors of the respective areas have been directed to expedite the merger process. This includes 2 schools in Bilaspur, 1 in Chamba, 4 in Hamirpur, 10 in Kangra, 3 in Kinnaur, 1 in Kullu, 1 in Lahaul-Spiti, 5 in Mandi, 26 in Shimla, 1 in Sirmaur, 1 in Solan and 3 in Una district.

Students of these schools will now be enrolled in nearby schools, where they will continue their education. The move is being seen as a necessary step to meet the educational needs of students, even as the number of students continues to decline in some areas.

By consolidating these schools, the Department of Elementary Education aims to make better use of available resources, providing students with access to more robust educational infrastructure and opportunities.