UP Govt Merges 10,827 Low-Enrolment Primary Schools; Vacant Buildings To House Anganwadi Centres As Pre-Primary Learning Spaces

Lucknow: More than 10,000 government-run primary schools with low student enrolment have been merged, according to the state's Basic Education Department. The vacant buildings of these merged schools will now be used to accommodate Anganwadi centres, which will function as Bal Vatika or pre primary learning spaces.

A total of 10,827 schools have been paired under this rationalisation exercise. The state's Women and Child Development and Nutrition Department will conduct a detailed survey to determine which buildings are suitable for relocation of Anganwadi centres.

A formal directive regarding this has been issued to all District Magistrates by Principal Secretary Leena Johri. Currently, many Anganwadi centres operate out of panchayat buildings or rented premises. The initiative aims to shift these centres into the no vacant school buildings to ensure better facilities and infrastructure.

A district-level committee, headed by the Chief Development Officer (CDO), has been formed to carry out the survey. Members of the committee include the Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA), District Programme Officer, Block Education Officer (BEO), and the concerned Child Development Project Officer. The survey is expected to be completed within 15 days.

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Following the survey, meetings will be held with village heads, Anganwadi workers, and parents to finalise the relocation plan. Only structurally suitable school buildings will be selected for shifting. This move is part of a broader effort to streamline educational resources while improving early childhood care and education infrastructure across the state.