TEZPUR, July 20: A recent directive from the state's education department has put 214 government schools in Sonitpur district on a closure list, triggering significant apprehension among local communities and educational stakeholders. The move, outlined in a notification issued on June 10 by the director of elementary education, is part of a phased closure and merger plan impacting elementary and secondary institutions across Assam.
Among the institutions earmarked for closure are three historically significant schools: Swahid Ratan Kachari LP School, Swahid Mangal Kurku LP School, and Swahid Sarunath Chutia LP School. These schools, along with many others, fall under the Balipara, Nadwar, Dhekiajuli, and Gabharu education blocks. The decision has intensified ongoing debates about the viability and future of vernacular medium government schools, which have long been a cornerstone of local education.
Concerns over the state of government-run schools have been mounting, with reports highlighting various challenges such as the inconsistent supply of learning materials, including poor-quality uniforms and delayed distribution of Bodo medium textbooks. These systemic issues, observers suggest, have contributed to a decline in student enrollment and overall educational standards, paving the way for such consolidation efforts.
While officials indicate these closures are part of a broader rationalisation strategy, critics argue that such measures risk undermining access to education, particularly for rural communities, and could further marginalise regional languages in the state's academic landscape.
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