A social activist has strongly criticised the Sikkim government’s recent decision to shut down 17 government-run primary schools, saying the move could harm access to education for children from weaker sections.In a press statement, Pravin Sharma (Upreti), a social activist, said the decision does not reflect the ground realities faced by students, especially those from disadvantaged families who depend on government schools not only for education but also for basic support.He said the government appears to have taken the step without a proper and detailed assessment of the reasons behind low student enrollment.
According to him, issues such as poor infrastructure, lack of awareness among parents, and limited access to services like nutrition and healthcare have not been addressed.Sharma pointed out that a similar move was taken in 2024, when 97 elementary schools were closed. He said no major corrective steps were taken after that, and the latest decision shows a repeated pattern of focusing on closures instead of improving the system.He also raised concerns over what he described as a gap between policy and practice. He noted that many public representatives, including top leaders and elected members, prefer private schools for their own children, while government schools used by common people are being reduced.
Calling the move short-sighted, Sharma appealed to teachers, students, youth, and civil society members to speak out against the decision. He warned that continued closures could weaken the future of public education in the state.