Lucknow, March 4: The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday reassured the state assembly that an adequate number of teachers are available in all primary schools and strongly denied reports of any operational schools being shut down, unless officially declared dilapidated.
The matter was highlighted by Samajwadi Party MLA Dr. Ragini Sonkar, who expressed concerns regarding reported closures of primary schools and raised issues about teacher availability and the quality of their training.
Responding to the query, Minister of State for Basic Education Sandeep Singh clarified, "No decision has been taken to close any school currently in operation unless it has been declared dilapidated. Instead, the government's focus remains on improving educational quality and accessibility."
"The process of creating these high-quality institutions has already begun in 57 districts, aiming to significantly enhance the standard of education provided," Singh noted.
"We have adequate teachers statewide, but some schools experience shortages due to disproportionately high student enrollments. To address this imbalance, the government initiated a teacher adjustment program. However, the process was challenged legally and is currently suspended," the minister stated.
Singh assured that once the court proceedings are resolved, every school in Uttar Pradesh would have a balanced student-teacher ratio.
He added that, during the academic session of 2024-25 alone, around 1,65,299 teachers across the state had participated in specialized training programs.
"Each classroom is being equipped with two tablets, facilitating advanced teaching methodologies and digital engagement. Both primary and upper primary schools will soon enjoy the benefits of these smart classroom facilities," he said.
The government continues to prioritize improving education infrastructure, accessibility, and quality, maintaining a firm stance that no operational school shall face closure without adequate reason.
The matter was highlighted by Samajwadi Party MLA Dr. Ragini Sonkar, who expressed concerns regarding reported closures of primary schools and raised issues about teacher availability and the quality of their training.
Responding to the query, Minister of State for Basic Education Sandeep Singh clarified, "No decision has been taken to close any school currently in operation unless it has been declared dilapidated. Instead, the government's focus remains on improving educational quality and accessibility."
CM Model Composite School Initiative Launched Across 57 Districts
Minister Singh informed that the government has initiated the establishment of world-class educational institutions across Uttar Pradesh under the CM Model Composite School project, inspired by the successful Atal Residential Schools model."The process of creating these high-quality institutions has already begun in 57 districts, aiming to significantly enhance the standard of education provided," Singh noted.
Addressing Teacher Shortages and Balancing Student-Teacher Ratio
On the critical issue of teacher availability, Singh admitted that while the state has a sufficient overall number of teachers, disparities remain in some schools."We have adequate teachers statewide, but some schools experience shortages due to disproportionately high student enrollments. To address this imbalance, the government initiated a teacher adjustment program. However, the process was challenged legally and is currently suspended," the minister stated.
Singh assured that once the court proceedings are resolved, every school in Uttar Pradesh would have a balanced student-teacher ratio.
Extensive Teacher Training with Emphasis on Digital Literacy
Highlighting the state's efforts in enhancing teacher competencies, Minister Singh explained, "The government has implemented robust training programs, emphasizing digital learning skills. To facilitate these initiatives, ICD labs have been established in all 880 development blocks of Uttar Pradesh."He added that, during the academic session of 2024-25 alone, around 1,65,299 teachers across the state had participated in specialized training programs.
Digitization Drive: Smart Classrooms and Tablets for Students
Emphasizing the government's push towards digital education, Singh revealed plans for smart classrooms equipped with digital tools."Each classroom is being equipped with two tablets, facilitating advanced teaching methodologies and digital engagement. Both primary and upper primary schools will soon enjoy the benefits of these smart classroom facilities," he said.
The government continues to prioritize improving education infrastructure, accessibility, and quality, maintaining a firm stance that no operational school shall face closure without adequate reason.
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