Number of govt elementary schools down 10,000 in a year
Data from the Indian government reveals a decline of nearly 10,000 elementary-level schools across the country within a single year. While the education ministry attributes school management to state governments, the report highlights significant closures in states like Meghalaya, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Why it matters
The reduction in government school infrastructure raises concerns about educational access and the potential impact of school rationalization policies on student enrollment and dropout rates.
NEW DELHI: The number of govt elementary schools across the country fell by nearly 10,000 in a year, with Meghalaya, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh recording the steepest declines, according to data tabled in the Lok Sabha on Monday.UDISE+ data showed that the number of elementary-level govt schools declined from 8,89,806 in 2024-25 to 8,79,940 in 2025-26 - a reduction of 9,866 schools, or about 1.1%.The govt data was provided in response to a question from DMK MP T R Baalu on whether a large number of elementary schools had been closed because of insufficient student strength and the steps being taken to prevent dropouts.
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