The Uttar Pradesh government is pushing ahead with its controversial plan to merge government primary and upper primary schools with fewer than 50 students, despite strong opposition. Announced in October 2024, the policy aims to streamline resources and improve education quality, but critics, including political parties and teachers, call it a move to deny education to rural children. As of June 22, 2025, protests continue, and the debate is heating up. Here’s the latest on the school merger policy and its impact.
Policy Details and Government’s Stance
The UP government’s school merger policy targets over 27,000 schools with low enrollment, merging them with nearby institutions to optimize resources. Director General of Education Kanchan Verma, in a June 2025 review, emphasized that the plan ensures no child loses access to education, with students relocated to schools within a reasonable distance. The government argues that small schools lack proper infrastructure and teachers, affecting learning quality. By consolidating, they aim to provide better facilities and staff. Despite protests, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called the policy a step toward “functional” education. Officials are finalizing merger plans, with reports due by July 2025. We’ll keep you updated on new developments.
Merger Criteria
Schools with fewer than 50 students, mostly in rural areas, are targeted for merger. Block School Administrators must identify these schools and propose nearby institutions for consolidation, ensuring transport and accessibility are addressed. Over 5,000 schools in districts like Sultanpur are already listed.
Government’s Defense
Officials claim mergers will improve student-teacher ratios and upgrade facilities like labs and libraries. They deny plans to close schools permanently, insisting the policy reallocates resources to create stronger institutions. The government has dismissed opposition claims as politically motivated, urging focus on student benefits.
Opposition and Protests
The merger policy has sparked widespread resistance. The Samajwadi Party, led by Akhilesh Yadav, calls it a “heartless” strategy to push poor children out of education. UP Congress chief Ajay Rai wrote to the governor, alleging the policy violates the Right to Education Act by forcing students to travel far. Teachers’ unions have staged protests, warning of higher dropout rates, especially among girls, due to unsafe travel and lack of transport. On June 20, 2025, X posts showed teachers rallying in Lucknow, demanding the policy’s withdrawal. Critics argue the government prioritizes private schools over public education. Despite the uproar, the state remains unmoved, promising to address concerns case-by-case. Stay tuned for updates on protests and talks.
Political Criticism
Akhilesh Yadav has accused the BJP of being anti-education, claiming mergers will marginalize rural and marginalized students. Congress leader Rai echoed this, alleging the policy hands education to private players. Both parties vow to fight the plan through protests and legal challenges.
Teachers’ Concerns
Teachers fear job losses, as mergers could cut posts. Over two lakh teaching positions are already vacant, and unions say the policy halts recruitment. Protests highlight issues like digital attendance systems, which teachers claim are impractical without proper infrastructure.
Impact on Students and Communities
The merger policy is set to affect thousands of rural students, particularly from marginalized groups. Critics warn that longer travel distances could lead to dropouts, especially for girls, due to safety concerns and poor public transport. In villages, schools are community hubs, and mergers may disrupt local bonds. However, the government insists students will benefit from better-equipped schools with more teachers. Some parents support the move, hoping for improved education, but others worry about accessibility. X posts from June 21, 2025, show parents in Sultanpur voicing fears of child labor rising if schools merge. The policy’s success hinges on addressing these concerns. We’ll bring you updates on how communities are coping.
Student Challenges
Rural students face risks like longer commutes, which could increase dropout rates. Girls are especially vulnerable due to safety issues. The government promises transport solutions, but critics doubt their feasibility in remote areas. Reports suggest child marriage and labor could rise.
Community Reactions
Villages see schools as vital for local identity. Mergers could weaken community ties, with parents fearing loss of nearby education. Some support the policy for better facilities, but most demand guarantees for transport and safety before agreeing to mergers.
What’s Next for the Policy
The UP government is moving forward with merger plans, with Block School Administrators submitting final reports by July 2025. The state has promised to consider transport and accessibility but shows no sign of backing down. Opposition parties plan more protests, and teachers’ unions are exploring legal action, citing violations of the Right to Education Act. Akhilesh Yadav hinted at a statewide campaign against the policy on June 21, 2025. The government may face pressure to offer rehabilitation plans for affected students and teachers. The policy’s long-term impact on rural education remains unclear, but it’s a critical issue to watch. We’ll keep you posted on new announcements and outcomes.
Legal and Political Battles
Opposition parties are preparing to challenge the policy in court, arguing it breaches education rights. Congress and SP plan rallies across UP to mobilize public support. The governor’s response to Ajay Rai’s letter could influence the debate, with updates expected soon.
Implementation Timeline
The merger process is set to begin after July 2025 reports are reviewed. Pilot mergers in districts like Sultanpur may start by late 2025. The government aims to complete the process by 2027, but protests could delay timelines. Stay tuned for progress reports.
