The Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court on Wednesday that it has not taken any policy decision to implement the proposed “cluster of schools” scheme, which involves merging smaller schools with larger ones nearby.
In September 2023, the Nagpur bench of the HC had taken suo motu cognisance of news reports about the scheme, which was announced by the State Education Commissioner. The proposal had sparked major unrest, as it indicated the possible closure of around 15,000 schools, affecting nearly 1.8 lakh students. The case was later transferred to the principal bench in Mumbai.
A bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Bharati Dangre recorded the government’s statement that no decision has been made yet and disposed of the petition. However, the court granted liberty to any aggrieved party to approach it in the future if such a policy is implemented.
Earlier, the government had filed an affidavit clarifying that the scheme was at a preliminary stage and merely aimed at gathering data to assess its viability. It stated that an inter-departmental letter dated September 21, 2023, was leaked and misinterpreted by the media, which mis-interpreted the same. The letter had only sought information on schools, particularly those with fewer than 20 students.
The affidavit explained that the rationalisation or clustering of schools is a consultative process under the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Schools established over a decade ago may now have different demand and supply needs. The government is engaging with parents, teachers, and communities to improve school functioning.
The government highlighted that clustering schools could enhance resources for primary and upper primary students, ensuring subject-specialist teachers for Classes 6 and above. It assured that the scheme is aimed at upgrading infrastructure and does not necessarily mean closing schools. Instead, it is intended to benefit children and the public at large.
