Amid fresh concerns, Maharashtra gets set to shut 3,073 Schools

Activists feel the decision to shut down schools will increase school dropout rates. Pics/Hanif Patel

Even as the state government moves towards implementing its decision of shutting down more than 3,000 schools across Maharashtra, what has emerged as a matter of concern is that this step is likely to deprive more than 16,000 students, mostly tribals, of their basic education. However, in order to ensure they get education guaranteed under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, the government has decided to provide them transport facilities so that they can reach the nearest schools. But activists are of the opinion that this violates the RTE Act, as students will have to travel a longer distance, which might in turn increase school dropout rates.

Activists and experts are of the opinion that the government's decision will force many students to drop out of school, as now they will have to travel longer distances to reach the nearest institutes

The government order, which is in possession of mid-day, says, "A total of 3,073 schools have been identified where the number of students are less than 10. Of the total students studying in these schools, 16,334 don't have schools within 3 km of the areas they live in. They will be enrolled in other nearby schools and will be provided transport facilities." Vivek Pandit, tribal rights activist, said, "The government's decision violates the RTE Act, as many students will have to travel seven to eight kilometres to reach the nearest school. This will surely increase school dropout rates in the state," added Pandit.

He further said, "Instead of encouraging the 6 lakh children, who do not go to schools to start studying, the government is shutting down schools. Most of these schools are located in the tribal belts of the state. The government must roll back its decision."

"The decision will have a huge impact on the tribal communities in Palghar, Thane, Nashik, Raigad and other districts. A total of 158 schools in Palghar district will be closed, while 62 schools in Thane district, 111 schools in Raigad and a maximum of 405 schools in Nashik will be shut down. According to the provisions of the RTE Act, it is mandatory for students up to Std IV to have access to a school within one kilometre of the area where they reside. Students up to Std VII should have access to schools within a radius of three kilometres," he added.

‘Social audits should have been done'

Education activist and writer Heramb Kulkarni said, "It is sad that the government is taking such a decision based on the number of students in a school." "Providing transport facilities is not a commendable move. It would have been better if the government had conducted social audits of these schools before reaching a conclusion," said Kulkarni, who lives in Ahmednagar district.

He further added, "Migration has increased in rural parts of the state and most of the tribals are now heading to the urban areas. This could also be the reason behind the decision of shutting down schools. But those who are living in the tribal hamlets will be deprived of education." Schoolteacher Matin Bhosale, who has been running a school Prashnachinh for Phase Pardhi tribal children in Amravati district, said, "This is a very bad decision. Locals of the areas where schools will be shut down should unite to protest against the order."

A schoolteacher from Wada taluka in Palghar district said, "We have been trying our best to provide education to students in rural areas. If schools are shut, these kids will be deprived of their basic education, as they may hesitate to attend classes in schools far from their villages." Another teacher said, "We got these students enrolled after convincing them a lot. I am sure they will not continue to attend regular classes in a different school."

Another education activist and teacher Aftab Siddiqui said, "No school should be shut even if it has one student, else it will be a violation of the RTE Act. If a school has fewer students, then why isn't the government taking a decision to encourage parents residing in the neighbourhood to send their children to school? Why is there a low literacy rate in rural Maharashtra?"

"Is it not the responsibility of government teachers and education staff to conduct drives in slum areas and tribal hamlets to enroll children in schools? Why is this not being followed strictly to increase the number of students in government-run schools?" asked Siddiqui.

‘Government's failure'

"This is the government's failure as it will help corporates and politicians run their private schools. Why has the government not been able to promote joyful learning methods and improve school infrastructure and equipment during the lockdown? These are the things that attract parents towards private schools," she said.

"Why is the government not making use of voluntary teachers of private boards who have been offering their help to plan the syllabus, timetable, teaching aids, workshops for parents and kids? This would have increased the strength of students in schools," she added. Siddiqui further said, "If the government decides to shut schools, it will deprive children of their basic right. This will increase school dropouts. The consequences of this will be devastating as child marriage and child labour will increase and juvenile crimes will go up."

Meanwhile, Pandit, who heads NGO Shramjeevi Sangathana to fight for the rights of the tribal community, is planning to protest the decision outside the Mantralaya this week. When contacted, joint secretary Imtiyaz Kazi said, "I am not aware of any such decision taken by the government." Calls and messages sent to additional chief secretary Vandana Krishna went unanswered.

16,334
No. of students who will be deprived of basic education

3,073
No. of schools the government plans to shut down