In a move aimed at improving education quality, Arunachal Pradesh’s Education Minister, Pasang Dorjee Sona, has emphasized the need to merge schools with low enrolment. This initiative, he said, is key to optimizing resources and infrastructure in the state’s public education system.
During a recent visit to Upper Siang district, Sona highlighted the government’s mission to merge small primary schools and enhance facilities and human resources. “Our goal is to ensure quality education from the elementary level,” he stated during a meeting in Yingkiong.
The plan aligns with recommendations from the state’s ‘Chintan Shivir,’ a three-day educational workshop held in August. The workshop focused on strategies to elevate education standards across the state. Sona is touring districts to gather local feedback and ensure smooth implementation of these reforms.
So far, over 600 schools with low enrolment have been merged or closed, according to Sona. He stressed that merging should be done pragmatically, factoring in infrastructure, land, and basic amenities.
Education Advisor Mutchu Mithi supported the initiative, advocating a shift from quantity to quality in the education sector. Deputy Director of School Education, Duhon Tekseng, also raised concerns about teacher shortages, particularly in Maths and Science, and the need for improved facilities.
With over 2,800 government schools, Arunachal Pradesh is currently facing a shortage of 414 trained graduate teachers and 186 postgraduate teachers.