Shimla: Education Minister announces closure of 39 more schools with zero enrollment, merger of 21 colleges with fewer than 100 students

In Himachal Pradesh, 39 more schools with zero enrollment will be closed, while 21 colleges with fewer than 100 students will be merged. At a review meeting of the Education Department at the Secretariat on Thursday, Education Minister Rohit Thakur directed officials to prepare a proposal in this regard. He stated that the government will provide transportation allowances to students who travel two kilometers for studies. The Education Minister also directed the preparation of a draft for the merger of non-CBSE schools, stating that surplus teachers and non-teachers will be transferred to other educational institutions as needed.

The merger of colleges with fewer than 100 enrollments will ensure optimal utilization of resources. This decision will not adversely affect professional courses, teacher recruitment, or the services of current employees. No employee will lose their jobs. He also called for the prompt release of the DIET fund of ₹1.2 crore pending for sports hostels. The department was also instructed to organize training programs for newly promoted principals on the basis of modules prepared by SCERT.