Arunachal Pradesh Closes 386 Non-Functional Government Schools Amid Education Infrastructure Overhaul

In a significant move aimed at rationalising its educational infrastructure, the Arunachal Pradesh government has ordered the closure of 386 government schools across the state. These institutions, identified as non-functional with zero student enrolment in the current academic year, are being shut down following a thorough data analysis by the Education Department.

Data-Driven Decision: UDISE Analysis Highlights Redundant Schools
The closures follow an evaluation based on data from the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE). The review revealed that many schools, some in existence for years, had remained completely non-operational, with no students enrolled over multiple academic sessions.

According to the official notification issued Monday, the decision is designed to rationalise educational infrastructure—ensuring efficient use of both human and physical resources. The state aims to reallocate teachers and support staff to functioning institutions that actively serve student populations.

Widespread Impact: Closures Across Remote and Border Districts

The shutdowns are not restricted to urban centres but stretch across nearly all districts, including remote and border regions such as:

• Kurung Kumey
• Tawang
• Anjaw
• Changlang
• Upper Subansiri
   

The closures span various levels of education—primary, upper primary, middle, and secondary schools—all of which had recorded zero enrolment this academic year.

District-Wise Breakdown of School Closures
Some districts were more affected than others. Here’s a look at those with the highest number of closures:

• West Kameng: 73 schools
• Papum Pare: 50 schools
• West Siang: 31 schools
• Upper Subansiri: 28 schools
• Siang: 28 schools
• East Kameng: 23 schools
   

Other districts reported closures ranging from 1 to 22 schools, bringing the total to 386 non-functional institutions removed from the state's educational roster.

NEP 2020 Alignment: Quality Over Quantity

Officials from the Education Department stated that this step is part of a larger rationalisation initiative, consistent with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The NEP calls for efficient management of educational resources and prioritises learning outcomes over the sheer number of schools.

The department’s goal is to:

• Consolidate resources
• Improve teaching quality
• Ensure equitable distribution of staff
• Strengthen functional schools
   

The plan involves transferring staff from closed institutions to those with active enrolment but inadequate manpower.

Instructions for Implementation: Immediate Closure and Staff Redeployment

To enforce the directive, the Education Department has instructed all Deputy Directors of School Education (DDSEs) and Block Education Officers (BEOs) to:

• Physically close down the listed schools immediately
• Begin redeployment of teaching and non-teaching staff as required
• Coordinate with local administrations to ensure smooth transitions
   

Addressing Student Migration: No Disruption to Learning

Officials clarified that in the event any students had recently migrated to these now-closed schools, their education would not be affected. Arrangements will be made to shift such students to the nearest functional schools, ensuring continuity in learning.

Second Round of Rationalisation: Building on Last Year’s Measures

This is the second major round of closures in Arunachal Pradesh. In 2024, the state had already shut down or merged 600 schools that were either non-functional or had no enrolment. At the time, Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona had informed the Assembly of the need to address the growing inefficiencies within the school system.

The northeastern state currently maintains:

• Over 2,800 government-run schools
• A teaching force of more than 7,600 regular teachers
   

By streamlining this system, the government aims to enhance accountability, instructional quality, and infrastructure efficiency.

Conclusion: Reforming for a Stronger Educational Future

The closure of 386 non-functional schools reflects a strategic shift in education governance in Arunachal Pradesh. Rather than expanding the number of institutions without ensuring quality and utility, the state is now focusing on optimising existing resources.

While closures may seem like a setback at first glance, officials are confident this realignment will lead to:

• Better student-teacher ratios
• Improved learning environments
• More focused use of government funds
   

As Arunachal Pradesh continues its efforts to overhaul its school system, the emphasis remains clear: accessible, accountable, and high-quality education for every child.

Key Highlights:

• 386 government schools shut across Arunachal Pradesh for zero enrolment
• Closures span nearly all districts, including remote and border areas
• Largest impact seen in West Kameng (73) and Papum Pare (50)
• Initiative aligned with NEP 2020 goals of rationalising school infrastructure
• Staff to be redeployed; student transitions to nearby schools will be facilitated
• Follows last year’s closure of 600 non-functional institutions
   

Stakeholders can follow updates from the Arunachal Pradesh Education Department for district-wise implementation status and upcoming rationalisation measures.