Bhubaneswar: Out of more than 4,000 schools that had been closed due to a lack of students, 440 schools have now been reopened. These schools were reopened after receiving the green signal from the state-level committee.
In Odisha, many primary schools where the student count had dropped below 20 were merged with nearby schools within a one-kilometer radius as part of a government decision taken in 2020. Accordingly, 4,619 schools across different districts were merged with nearby schools.
The Cuttack district recorded the highest number of school mergers due to a decline in student numbers, with 1,010 schools merged. Other districts with significant mergers include:
Ganjam – 326 schools
Mayurbhanj – 308 schools
Jajpur – 283 schools
Koraput – 248 schools
Gajapati – 647 schools
Bargarh – 203 schools
Kendrapara – 195 schools
Jagatsinghpur – 189 schools
Bhadrak – 183 schools
Kandhamal – 181 schools
While Puri district had no schools on the merger list, Malkangiri recorded the lowest number, with only 43 schools merged.
After the school merger, dissatisfaction grew in various districts, especially where schools had been closed despite an increased student intake beyond the limit. This led to demands from locals and pressure on elected representatives to reopen such schools.
Particularly in areas where schools were merged within one kilometer, students had to cross major roads to reach their new schools, causing growing concern among parents. Additionally, closed schools became hubs for antisocial activities, as many had classrooms, kitchens for midday meals, and toilets. Reports emerged that local youths and addicts were using these abandoned schools as gathering spots, further fueling public dissatisfaction.
Government Response & Reopening Plan
To address public concerns, the government set a process for reopening previously closed schools.
1. Proposals for reopening were submitted at the district level, which were then reviewed and forwarded to the state-level committee for final approval.
2. Based on the recommendations of the state-level committee, schools were reopened gradually.
So far, 44 schools across different districts have been reopened, including in Bargarh, Nayagarh, Jajpur, and Khordha.
Jajpur district has reopened 3 schools
Khordha district has reopened 2 schools
More schools may be reopened following further review.
