In the state of West Bengal, 933 educational institutions have been closed due to zero student enrollment. These schools include primary, middle, and high school levels. Currently, the state government is studying the prospects of reopening these educational facilities.
The Department of School Education has instructed all districts to conduct an inspection of the data for these schools. Staff must personally visit these institutions to assess the current situation. Following this, a decision will be made regarding the possibility of resuming school operations or using their buildings for other public needs.
Education Minister Dipak Barman noted that the number of students in these schools has been steadily declining, and this problem has persisted for the last twenty years. The situation has intensified over the past five years, which led to the closure of 933 schools. The government, in collaboration with various departments, is working to resolve this issue, and the number of teachers working in these institutions is also being ascertained.
The Department of School Education has directed district heads to form a special committee. This committee will be headed by the district head and will include the district education inspector and the district school inspector. The committee must conduct a direct inspection of all schools with zero enrollment. Information will be gathered on the condition of the school building, classrooms, land area, and other infrastructure assets. The situation regarding the land and building, including ownership rights, as well as the availability of water and other basic amenities, will also be checked. An assessment of transport accessibility to the school will be conducted.
The government stated that unused school buildings can be repurposed for other objectives. These premises could become learning centers, medical posts, or centers for rural or agricultural development. Such locations may be used for public or other governmental services after consultation with the relevant departments.
However, the government emphasized that no decisions should negatively affect children's education, as every child requires access to schooling.
The committees will also evaluate the feasibility of reopening the closed schools. If any of them have the potential for new student enrollment, the question of reopening or modifying its structure will be considered.
The Department of School Education has requested reports from the districts within 30 days. These reports must contain complete information about each school with zero enrollment, as well as an indication of whether the school should be retained, relaunched, or if the building should be used for another purpose.
Binod Kumar, Additional Minister of Education, mentioned the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, which could be considered for utilizing these assets. Nevertheless, Minister Dipak Barman stated that the government does not intend to fully transfer school property under the PPP model, but is currently studying the best options for utilizing these schools and their assets.