No School Closures Or Job Cuts In UP's School Pairing Model, Clarifies Officials

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh’s Basic Education Department has clarified that its ongoing “school pairing” initiative is focused on improving foundational learning and teaching conditions not closing schools or cutting jobs. At a press briefing in Lucknow’s Lok Bhavan, officials addressed concerns raised over the pairing exercise and confirmed that children’s interests would remain central to any changes made.

Under the pairing model, low-enrolment schools those with 50 or fewer students are being grouped with nearby schools to enhance classroom experiences, ensure teacher availability, and facilitate better use of educational infrastructure. Each school involved retains its original UDISE code, and if student numbers increase, classes may return to their original campuses.

Officials confirmed that no school is being permanently shut and that schools in difficult terrains—such as across rivers or highways have been excluded from the process. Complaints from specific districts have resulted in corrective actions, including reversing pairings in a few instances.

The initiative also aims to introduce balvatikas (pre-primary classes) and anganwadi centres in underutilised school buildings to reinforce early childhood education. Plans include coordinated efforts with other departments to run health and nutrition programmes from these spaces.

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A key feature of the scheme is to ensure every class has a teacher. In schools with up to 50 students, at least three teachers will be posted. Staffing in larger schools will follow official standards, and no current positions are being eliminated.

To ensure quality and safety, school buildings are undergoing audits, with dilapidated structures being demolished. Classrooms are also being equipped with child-friendly furniture, learning corners, and sports materials to encourage interactive and activity-based learning.

Schools with higher enrolment will be prioritised for upgrades like smart classrooms, ICT labs, and teaching-learning materials. These measures aim to elevate the classroom environment and modernise government education delivery across the state.

Officials emphasised that over 48,000 government schools have been declared NIPUN institutions under the foundational literacy and numeracy mission. Initiatives like direct bank transfers for student supplies and large scale tablet distribution to teachers are part of broader reforms meant to digitise and modernise education delivery in the state.

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The department reaffirmed its aim of ensuring student access, equity in education, and improved classroom engagement without compromising infrastructure or employment in the system.