Himachal Cabinet takes action to address declining student numbers in schools
The state cabinet convened today and made significant decisions regarding schools with low enrollment. A total of 89 primary schools and 10 middle schools, which currently have zero students, will be closed. Additionally, 460 schools with five or fewer students will be merged. The cabinet also approved the merger of government primary schools within a 2-kilometer radius and government middle schools within a 3-kilometer radius.
To improve student engagement, teaching staff in the education department will be transferred annually at the end of the academic session. Furthermore, all teachers, including head teachers, center head teachers, headmasters, and principals, will actively participate in teaching students.
The cabinet emphasized the importance of patriotism by mandating morning assemblies with the national anthem in all schools. High and senior secondary schools will also unfurl the national flag daily. Additionally, physical education will be a compulsory daily period, and training in CPR and first aid will be provided in collaboration with the Health and Ayush Departments.
The mid-day meal program will be enhanced, benefiting 5.34 lakh students from nursery to class 8 with eggs and bananas every Wednesday under the Chief Minister’s Bal Poshit Aahar Yojana.
Lastly, the state cabinet is considering a ban on teacher transfers during the current academic session to minimize disruptions to student learning and reduce administrative workload
