Explainer: What Education Dept wants to achieve by integration of schools

The Directorate of Elementary Education has started the exercise of identifying and verifying the co-located Government Primary Schools in the state, as such institutions are proposed to be integrated. The Education Department officials believe that the integration will ensure optimum utilisation of resources and staff.

How many schools have been identified?

As per a list, there are 194 such Government Primary Schools and Government Girls Primary Schools spread across various districts, including Ambala, Bhiwani, Fatehabad, Hisar, Gurugram, Kaithal, Jind, Sirsa, Sonepat and Rohtak. These schools are proposed to be integrated. It is expected that there would be more such schools. The District Elementary Education Officers (DEEOs) in the state had been directed to verify the list and check for more such schools in respective districts.

What is the purpose behind the consolidation of the schools?

As per the department, the identified schools are located within same campus or 0-km distance, 100-metre or within a 100-metre radius. The department has proposed the consolidation of co-located Government Primary Schools. The officials believe that in view of shortage of staff, the integration will help the department ensure optimum utilisation of resources and the staff.

What were the directions issued to DEEOs?

A detailed information regarding 194 schools with the current enrolment numbers and location was shared with the DEEOs with the directions to verify the list and revert with remarks. They were also asked to identify more such schools in respective districts and send the report by May 14.

What are the various concerns of teachers’ union?

The Rajkiya Prathmik Shikshak Sangh office-bearers in Ambala have expressed their concerns related to the post of teachers and jobs of support staff, including the mid-day meal workers.

As per the union, if the schools are integrated the post of teachers in the department will be cut down and it will also have a direct impact on the employment of the mid-day meal workers. The Government Girls’ Schools, especially in the rural areas, were opened to motivate people to send girls to schools. Though time has changed, the integration of schools may have adverse impact in some regions in the state, and such a move is not in favour of the students, says a union leader.

Haryana Tribune