AMARAVATI: The state government's decision to merge government schools in line with the Centre's New Education Policy (NEP) is creating ripples among parents and teachers.
The government directed that the schools with Classes III, IV and V be mapped for merger with the high schools within 3-km.
Academicians say the decision is likely to increase the dropout rate among girls from rural areas as it would be difficult for them to go up to 3 km for a public school.
In response to the queries sent by the district educational officers (DEOs), the state government came out with clarifications. Principal secretary (education) Budithi Rajasekhar and school education commissioner S Suresh Kumar along with other senior officials have visited the districts to create awareness about the mapping of the schools for merger.
The state government said that children from Class-III to V crossing the man-managed railway level crossing gates to reach the schools should not be treated as barriers for merger.
"Highway parallel to schools does not come under natural barriers. However, zebra crossings may be marked and aayahs/other staff may be provided for safety of children while crossing roads," clarified the government. Municipal Teachers Federation (MTF) state president S Ramakrishna criticized the state government's decision on merger of primary classes. He said that students, particularly from SC, ST, BC and minority communities, would be severely hit due to the closer of schools in their vicinity.
"It is strange that senior officials are taking decisions without consulting the parents' committees which are the authority to take any decision regarding the closure or merger," said Ramakrishna.
The state government in a circular sent to the DEOs said that transportation allowance of ₹1,000 per annum per student would be provided in case the schools are not available within 3km for the Classes-III, IV and V.
The government has also directed the school HMs to take up new admissions for next academic year irrespective of the completion of the mapping process.
The state government said that separate sections for Telugu and English medium would be continued for classes from VII to X for the next academic year.
All the high schools from Class-I to X would be headed by single principal. The state government assured that additional teacher post would be granted if the student strength is above 30 for the Classes I and II.
