More than 140 government schools in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior district are likely to be merged with nearby schools after the State Education Centre identified institutions with fewer than 20 enrolled students. The move, part of an administrative rationalisation exercise, has triggered concern in rural areas over access to primary education and possible rise in dropout rates.

According to officials, the process has begun for schools where student strength has remained below the prescribed threshold for at least three years. These schools will be merged with other government schools located within a radius of one to one-and-a-half kilometres.

Gwalior Schools Identified

The list released by the State Education Centre includes over 140 government schools in Gwalior district that have consistently reported low enrolment. Block-level verification has already been completed and reports have been submitted to the state authorities for final approval.

Officials said the decision is aimed at consolidating resources and improving classroom delivery in schools where attendance has remained negligible for several academic sessions.

Teacher Shortage Deepens

The school merger exercise has also brought fresh attention to the acute shortage of teachers in rural Gwalior. In schools such as Chhimak Farm, Bajera and Natholi, not a single teacher is currently posted.

More than 50 schools in the district are functioning with only one teacher, forcing a single staff member to manage multiple classes. Education officials have acknowledged that teacher shortages remain one of the major reasons behind falling enrolment in remote areas.

Empty Schools Raise Concern

The situation is most visible in Jigniya village, where the primary school has recorded zero enrolment for the past three years. The school building remains unused and no teacher has been posted there during this period.

Officials said such schools are among the first to be considered for merger, particularly where alternate institutions already exist within walking distance.

Dabra Worst Affected

Dabra block is expected to see the highest impact from the proposed restructuring. Of the 313 schools operating up to the middle level in the block, 42 have been identified for possible merger after reporting fewer than 20 students for three consecutive years.

Among these, 23 schools have fewer than 10 students. Officials indicated that these institutions may be prioritised in the first phase of implementation.

Officials Defend Move

District Education Officer Hariom Chaturvedi said the administration has received a list of schools identified for merger and further details are being processed through the District Project Coordinator office.

He said schools with no students or negligible enrolment would be merged with nearby institutions in line with state policy. According to officials, the move is intended to improve infrastructure use, teacher deployment and overall learning outcomes.

Dropout Risk Emerges

While the administration has presented the move as a reform measure, concerns remain over its impact on young children in rural areas. Parents and local stakeholders fear that sending children one to two kilometres away may reduce attendance, especially among primary students.

Education observers say the closure of neighbourhood schools could increase dropout rates, particularly for girls and children from low-income families.

Heat Closure Adds Layer

The school merger debate comes as several districts in Madhya Pradesh have already declared holidays for students up to Class 8 due to severe heat conditions. Authorities have ordered closure of schools for students from nursery to Class 8 till April 30 in multiple districts. District education officers have issued formal orders, though teachers will continue to attend school during the closure period.