Kolkata
The West Bengal government is considering a public-private partnership model for the future use of schools reporting zero student enrolment, with district administrations asked to assess the institutions and their infrastructure.
The latest UDISE+ data shows that 4,133 of India’s 5,663 zero-enrolment schools are located in West Bengal. However, state officials have indicated that the figures require physical verification, as discrepancies in data uploaded by some schools may have contributed to the reported numbers.
The state education department has directed district-level committees, headed by District Magistrates, to inspect the schools, examine their buildings, land, infrastructure and available facilities, and determine whether the properties can be revived or put to alternative public use.
Possible uses include training centres, health centres and other community or administrative facilities. A PPP arrangement is also being considered for suitable properties, although officials have indicated that such a model may not be applicable to every school.
The issue also highlights an uneven distribution of teachers across the state. According to UDISE+ data cited by officials, 19,502 teachers are listed against the zero-enrolment schools, while 6,769 schools have only one teacher serving a combined 2,29,569 students.
The government has also been working on teacher rationalisation, including shifting teachers from zero- or low-enrolment schools to institutions facing shortages.
The state has stressed that the exercise does not automatically mean all zero-enrolment schools will be closed or converted, with revival remaining an option where feasible.
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The government has directed district administrations to physically verify zero-enrolment schools and assess their land, buildings and infrastructure for suitable public use.
