During the Budget Session 2026 of the indian Parliament, questions were raised about the closure of government schools across the country in recent years and what it means for access to education, especially in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.
Although the Centre explained that school opening or closure is primarily a state subject, with decisions largely taken by state governments under the Right to education (RTE) Act, lawmakers sought clarity on the scale of school closures at the national level, and the data revealed a significant trend of closures and mergers in recent years.
How Many government Schools Have Been Closed?
According to official responses quoted in Parliament:
✔ Around 14,910 government schools have been closed or merged over the last five years (2019–2024).
This data was provided by the Ministry of education in response to questions from MPs seeking state‑wise figures on school closures and mergers.
State‑wise breakdown in this period includes:
- Madhya Pradesh: 6,972 schools closed or merged.
- Odisha: 4,589 closures.
- Jammu & Kashmir: 4,380 closures.
These figures represent the states with the largest number of closures during this five‑year span.
Why Are government Schools Closing?
Closure of schools does not always mean a reduction in access. The education Ministry said closures and mergers often occur due to:
- Rationalisation of low‑enrolment schools — schools with very few or no students.
- Administrative decisions by state governments to consolidate resources.
- These actions are taken within the framework of the Right to education Act, which requires that children have access to free and compulsory education near their homes.
Zero‑Enrollment Schools Highlight the Issue
Additional data from state education reports highlighted a separate but related issue — several government schools have virtually no students enrolled. Recent data showed:
- Thousands of schools are reporting zero or very low student enrollment, especially in states like Telangana and West Bengal, where more than 5,000 schools have no students registered.
Parliamentary Debate
During the session, MPs from various parties stressed the importance of government schools for communities, especially in rural and remote areas. They argued that closures must not hamper children’s access to basic education and called for:
- Rigorous planning before closures
- Guarantees that affected students have access to nearby schools
- More transparency on how these decisions are made
The education Minister reiterated that closures are implemented only while ensuring compliance with RTE norms.
Context in a Broader Timespan
While the five‑year data shared in 2026 points to nearly 15,000 schools closed or merged, longer‑term figures show even larger trends:
- Over the past 10 years, more than 93,000 schools are estimated to have shut down nationwide, with major contributions from states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Summary:
In the Budget Session 2026, parliament was told that approximately 14,910 government schools were closed or merged in the last five years — decisions mainly taken by state governments as part of rationalisation and low enrolment adjustments. These figures are part of broader concerns about access and infrastructure in public education, sparking debate among lawmakers about how best to ensure every child has schooling nearby and supported.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel