De-notified schools meeting students strength would be reviewed : Rohit Thakur

Shimla, May 30 Education Minister, Rohit Thakur in a press statement issued here today said that the State Government would review and consider re-opening of certain schools de-notified that meet the required criteria of students’ strength. He said that the Education Department has fixed the strength of students for Middle, High and Senior Secondary Schools as 15, 20 and 25 students respectively. The cut-off date of enrolment of students was 31^st March, 2023 for winter closing schools and 15^th April, 2023 for summer closing schools. He said that the State Government has taken the decision to de-notify the schools based on the ibid criteria, but it has come to the notice of the State Government that some schools now meet the required students strength, therefore it has been decided to review and take the appropriate decision to re-open such schools.

Rohit Thakur said that the State Government is committed to provide quality education to the students of the State nearer to their homes especially in the remote and far-flung areas. He said that despite financial challenges, the State Government has decided to fill up about 6000 posts of various categories of teachers in the education department to address the shortage of teaching staff. It is clear testament of the State Government to strengthening the educational institutions. Furthermore, the previous BJP Government has opened and upgraded various institutions including schools without any budgetary provisions in the last six months of its tenure.  Continuing these institutions would have required an additional Rs. 5000 crore annually.

Education Minister said that State Government had also decided to open one Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Model School in every assembly segment of the State in a phased manner. He said that it would ensure world class education to the students within their respective areas.  He said that 13 sites had already been identified and construction activities would commence shortly in the first phase. These schools will be equipped with modern facilities like hi-tech smart class rooms, play fields etc. and in addition, children belonging to pre-primary and primary wing would be provided an open play area where they can play games during the day boarding time. He said that State Government was making earnest efforts to provide world-class education to its youth within the State.