Closure and Amalgamation of Government Schools in Assam. Issues, Challenges and Implications
Acceptance: 08/07/2026
Published: 18/08/2026
Abstract
The rationalization, closure, and amalgamation of government schools have become key strategies of education reform in Assam to address low enrolment, teacher shortages, and inefficient resource use. While consolidation promises administrative and financial benefits, it raises critical concerns regarding equitable access to education, especially for children in rural, remote, tribal, and economically disadvantaged communities. This paper examines the issues, challenges and implications of schools amalgamation in Assam using a qualitative and analytical approach. It draws on government reports, policy documents, RTE Act 2009, educational statistics and ground-level reports. The analysis focuses on accessibility, enrolment, dropout, teacher workload, child safety, and community participation within Assam’s context of difficult terrain, dispersed settlements and poor transport. The paper recommends a contest-specific, child-centered and participatory approach to school rationalization, with prior accessibility assessments, transport provision and community consultation. It concludes that administrative efficiency must not override the constitutional commitment to equitable and accessible education in Assam.
Keynote: School Amalgamation, Educational Equity, Assam, RTE Act 2009, Rural Education, Accessibility.
Author Name:
Dr. Balin Hazarika & Dr. Jayanta Doley
Pages:
43-50
DOI Number:
10.5281/zenodo.21987017
Keyword:
School Amalgamation, Educational Equity, Assam, RTE Act 2009, Rural Education, Accessibility.
Reference
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Writer Name
Dr. Balin Hazarika & Dr. Jayanta Doley
Pages
43-50
DOI Numbers
10.5281/zenodo.21987017
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