There are 693 government schools having five or less enrolment with 836 teachers and 2510 schools having 10 or less enrolment with 3394 teachers working against the sanctioned posts of 5320, the report said.
These schools can be merged with nearby schools, keeping in mind the access criteria, it suggested. Wherever it is not possible to shift due to natural barriers or any such other conditions, schools may be allowed to continue. The services of teachers of the merged schools can be utilised in the upgraded schools.
The final draft report of the Commission on structural upgradation and reorganisation of school education chaired by Prof R Govinda, Vice-Chancellor of NUEPA (National University of Educational Planning and Administration) with Tushar Giri Nath, Ex-Commissioner of Public Instruction as Member-Secretary, has just been made public by the Government, inviting feedback from stakeholders by August 31.
Birth rates have been falling in the State during 2000-01 to 2010-11, it said, adding, the trend has affected enrolment of children.
"Over 13000 out of a total of 45200 elementary schools in the Department of Education [1 to 5 standards only] are located in small habitations and carry less than 30 children, summated across all the 5 standards [2011-12]", the Commission said.
"Dwindling enrolments at lower primary stage affect strength in higher primary schools which in turn affect small size high schools. In sum, demographic variables are a significant factor in planning exercises in secondary education".(MORE)