Lucknow, July 14 — Senior Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi has strongly criticised the Uttar Pradesh government’s plan to merge thousands of government schools, warning that it threatens the constitutional Right to Education and risks excluding marginalised children from basic schooling.
In a post on her official X handle, Priyanka alleged that the Yogi Adityanath-led administration is preparing to shut down nearly 5,000 government schools under the pretext of rationalisation. Teachers’ organisations, however, claim that the actual number could rise to 27,000.
State officials argue that the move aims to consolidate under-enrolled schools—particularly those with fewer than 50 students—into nearby institutions to better utilise resources, address infrastructure issues, and manage teacher shortages. But critics say the plan will severely impact students from Dalit, tribal, backward, and minority communities who rely on local schools for accessible education.
Priyanka Gandhi drew attention to the UPA-era Right to Education Act, which mandated schools within walking distance of every habitation, ensuring access for children from economically weaker sections. She questioned how small children, especially girls, would now be expected to travel several kilometres, raising concerns over increased dropout rates.
“This decision is not just administrative—it’s ideological,” she wrote. “It undermines the constitutional promise of education for all and threatens to push thousands of children out of the classroom.”
The UP government has defended the plan, stating that transportation and geographic challenges will be considered before finalising mergers. District officials have been asked to submit proposals by mid-November.
Meanwhile, opposition parties and civil society groups are mobilising protests, calling for greater transparency and a comprehensive reassessment of the policy’s long-term consequences on educational equity and rural access.
