Shimla, August 21: The Himachal Pradesh government is taking steps to bring 518 recently closed and merged schools back into use, as well as shift various government offices running in private buildings to these vacant school premises. The education department has initiated the move by approaching key departments, including panchayati raj, seeking proposals to shift their offices to the now vacant school buildings.
The decision is part of a broader strategy to ensure that school infrastructure, which would have otherwise remained unused, is maintained and put to good use. Apart from housing government offices, renting out these buildings to yuvak and mahila mandals is also being considered, to ensure their use and maintenance.
The initiative comes at a time when the state is grappling with the challenge of declining student enrollment. Due to lack of students, the government has closed 99 primary and secondary schools and merged 419 others that had less than five students each. From September, students of these merged schools will be shifted to nearby institutions, leaving 519 school buildings vacant.
To prevent these buildings from falling into disrepair, the education department has decided to make them available for rent. Letters have been issued to all the concerned departments inviting them to submit proposals indicating which school buildings they wish to occupy.
Besides, the government has announced plans to develop a comprehensive policy regarding upgrading or opening of schools in the future. The policy is expected to address the changing educational landscape of the state and ensure that resources are used effectively.
In the upcoming monsoon session of the state assembly, the education minister will present a detailed report on the student-teacher ratio, giving an insight into the state of schools over the past few years. This report is expected to highlight the reasons behind school closures and mergers, which will present a clear picture of the state’s educational challenges.
After all the proposals are received from various departments, the education minister will take the final decision regarding the allocation of these school buildings, ensuring that the transition is smooth and the infrastructure is used effectively.
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