In a significant move aimed at restructuring the state’s school education system, the Himachal Pradesh government has ordered the closure of 100 government primary and middle schools that currently have zero student enrollment. This includes 72 primary schools and 28 middle schools.

According to the official notification issued by the Department of School Education on Tuesday, the decision is part of the government’s broader effort to rationalize school infrastructure based on enrollment trends and optimize the use of educational resources.

In addition to the closures, the government has also merged 120 primary schools with five or fewer students into nearby government schools. These include Government Primary Schools (GPS) and Government Central Primary Schools (GCPS), where students will now be relocated for their continued education.

The merger has been implemented with immediate effect.

Background and rationale

The Himachal Pradesh education department has long been facing challenges associated with declining student numbers in several government-run schools, particularly in rural and remote areas. Many schools have remained operational despite not having a single student enrolled, leading to unnecessary resource allocation and strain on the education budget.

The new decision is part of a rationalization strategy to ensure better student-teacher ratios, improved learning environments, and effective deployment of teaching staff.

Implementation and next steps

The department has instructed all district education officers to ensure a smooth transition for students from merged schools and to provide all necessary academic and infrastructural support at the host institutions. Teachers posted at the affected schools are also expected to be redeployed based on requirements in other government schools.

Officials say that the focus will remain on maintaining quality education while addressing ground realities such as demographic shifts, urban migration, and population decline in some areas.

Public response and ongoing review

The decision is expected to generate discussion among stakeholders, particularly in rural regions where such schools often serve as a link to government services. However, the education department has assured that the mergers will not disrupt children’s education and that logistical support for transportation and relocation will be provided where needed.

Further reviews of school infrastructure and student population across the state are likely to continue in the coming months.