Uttar Pradesh Launches School Pairing Plan To Boost Rural Education

Lucknow: A new school pairing initiative in Uttar Pradesh aims to address longstanding challenges in rural education by linking small, under-resourced government schools with better-equipped institutions nearby. The move is intended to ensure access to improved facilities, smarter classrooms, and stronger teacher-student ratios for all children, without closing down any existing schools.

Under the plan, schools with enrollments below 50 students will be paired with larger institutions within a 1-km radius for primary schools and 3 km for upper primary ones. Pairing will be based on three criteria: low enrollment, proximity, and inadequate infrastructure or teaching staff. The state has clarified that no teaching or kitchen staff posts will be removed, and existing schools will remain operational with provisions to reopen fully if enrollment increases.

The initiative also integrates Operation Kayakalp parameters to develop basic infrastructure such as clean drinking water, toilets, boundary walls, libraries, playgrounds, and smart classrooms. Schools involved in the pairing will be upgraded to meet all 19 criteria under the programme.

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Currently, many small government schools in the state face low attendance and a high burden on single teachers managing multiple classes. The pairing model seeks to address these issues by optimizing resources, enabling peer learning, and creating a more conducive academic environment.

Safety audits are being conducted in all affected areas. Factors like busy roads, rail lines, and water bodies are being considered before pairing decisions are finalized to ensure student security during travel. The plan aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages integration of under-resourced schools to improve learning outcomes.

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A letter from the Ministry of Education, dated June 5, 2024, supports the pairing approach for schools with fewer than 50 students. Following this, state authorities were directed to begin implementation from October 2024.

While outcomes of the initiative will take time to assess, early indicators such as higher attendance and improved academic proficiency suggest the potential for meaningful change, provided implementation remains inclusive, safe, and responsive to local conditions.