1,724 schools across state may be clubbed under cluster schools

Stating that the booklet has been released to provide detailed information on the two schemes to corporates or other individuals who are keen on adopting schools, commissioner of education Suraj Mandhare said, “At present the matter of cluster schools is completely in abeyance, due to the ongoing court case. It is only after the court’s verdict, further course of action will be decided. But the information booklet has been released for providing information on the schemes, especially adoption of schools. The booklet, which is also available on our website in a soft-copy format, is for corporates and other interested individuals to know the scheme before making a decision.”

According to the booklet, among the 1,724 schools, 631 are from Nashik division, which is the highest among eight divisions.

“Considering the tribal and rural areas covered under Nashik division, we are seeing more possibilities of cluster schools in this division,” said Mandhare, underlining that this is just a presentation of collated information and no action has been taken.

“Cluster schools is going to be possible only at places where schools are nearby and the scheme can be feasible. It does not mean combining all schools having less than 20 enrollments,” added Mandhare.

Under the scheme, the government plans to club schools having less than 20 enrollments and are located nearby. The idea is to combine these schools to provide all facilities under one roof. But the scheme has been criticised by many educationists as it indicates closure of smaller schools. As the High Court has taken suo motu cognizance, it has asked the government to submit its reply on concerns.

An official from the school education department said, “After announcement of the scheme of cluster schools, the state had asked for information from different divisions on potential schools which can be clubbed together.

Accordingly, the booklet has been issued. However, there are no actual proposals for the cluster schools as yet.”