Parliament Question: School Closed in Lakshadweep

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF SCHOOL EDUCATION & LITERACY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-3611 ANSWERED ON-11/08/2025 School Closed in Lakshadweep

3611. Shri Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed:

Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware that certain schools in Agatti and Androth islands of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep have been closed without prior consultation with local stakeholders including parents, teachers, and community representatives;

(b) if so, the reasons for the closure of these schools and whether such action is in violation of the provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009;

(c) whether such closure has disrupted the functioning of educational services and created difficulties for students in accessing quality and continuous education;

(d) whether the Government proposes to review the decision and take immediate steps to reopen the schools or provide alternative arrangements to ensure uninterrupted education for the children of Agatti and Androth islands; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the timeline for such corrective measures? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (e): The Lakshadweep Administration, through the Department of Education, undertook rationalisation of certain schools in Agatti and Androth islands in view of infrastructure constraints, school safety, low enrolment, and resource optimisation. These decisions were made with the primary objective of ensuring student safety, school building safety, improvingquality of education, and optimal use of existing facilities. Stakeholder feedback was considered through institutional visits, enrolment analysis and administrative assessments.

The actions were structured consolidation for better academic and infrastructural outcomes. In Agatti, the JB School (South), which was constructed in 1982 and had the oldest building with minimum facilities, was merged with JB School (North) to form the PM SHRI Govt. Junior Basic School Agatti (UDISE Code: 31010100202), ensuring safe building and enriched learning for students. In Androth, JB School Mechery, with a strength of 135 students, is located close to SB School Edachery, which provides dual medium instruction. Such rationalisation is compliant with the provisions of the NEP 2020, as access to free and compulsory education within permissible norms is fully ensured.

The initiatives have enhanced the learning environment by pooling infrastructure and teaching resources. Students now benefit from safer buildings, better digital and classroom facilities, and improved supervision. Transport and proximity arrangements have been ensured for the required students for smooth transition without affecting the continuity of education.

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