In a major step towards improving educational quality and resource efficiency, the Sikkim government has announced a plan to merge schools with persistently low enrollment numbers. Led by Education Minister Raju Basnett, this initiative aims to optimize resources and ensure that students in Sikkim receive education in well-equipped environments. Education Minister Basnett stated that the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government, in office since 2019, has prioritized education, focusing on infrastructure improvements, timely textbook distribution, and better teacher attendance. “Schools with fewer than 10 students face challenges in maintaining staff and resources,” Basnett noted, adding that the merger plan will help streamline these underutilized institutions. The government has identified 78 schools with minimal enrollment for consolidation, where students will be shifted to larger schools to access better facilities and a more enriched learning experience.
The merger plan will affect junior schools with fewer than 20 students and secondary schools with fewer than 50. So far, 12 junior schools and 7 secondary schools are slated for consolidation in the upcoming academic session. Basnett clarified that if enrollment rises, the mergers may be reconsidered, but otherwise, the integration will proceed to optimize educational resources. Beyond school mergers, the government has plans for the vacated buildings, which may be repurposed as community centers, cultural spaces, or private institutions based on community needs. This repurposing aims to ensure that the closed schools still serve the community. The consolidation will also impact senior secondary schools where specialized streams like science and mathematics have fewer than 10 students. These students will be relocated to better-equipped schools to gain access to laboratories and experienced instructors, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive academically.
Alongside the consolidation initiative, the government is advancing several educational support programs. Earlier this year, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang launched the ‘Chief Minister Mentorship Program’ on Teachers’ Day, selecting 90 teachers to provide trial exams and guidance for Class X students preparing for board exams. The state has also introduced winter crash courses for Class X students, with involvement from both active and retired teachers to help students excel in the upcoming exams. Sikkim’s ultimate goal is to achieve a 100% pass rate in board exams, underscoring the state’s dedication to raising academic standards.
