Barabanki Merger of 33 Government Schools Cancelled: A major relief has arrived for thousands of students and their families in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district. The education department recently revoked its decision to merge 33 government-run primary schools with other nearby schools. This reversal means that students can now resume their studies at their original schools, much to the joy of parents and the local community.
Barabanki Merger of 33 Government Schools Cancelled: What Was the School Merger About?
Barabanki Merger of 33 Government Schools Cancelled: Earlier in 2025, the education department had initiated a “School Pairing Policy,” under which government schools with low student enrollment were being merged with nearby larger schools. The goal was to optimize resources, improve teaching quality, and ensure better infrastructure.
However, the ground reality was quite different:
- Children were forced to travel 3 to 5 kilometers daily to reach their new schools.
- Many students had to cross highways or walk through isolated paths, raising serious safety concerns.
- Parents, especially of girl students, were reluctant to send their children far.
- In several areas, school attendance dropped drastically, and some children even discontinued their education altogether.
Community Reaction and Protests
- Multiple village-level protests were held, where parents expressed anger over the sudden change without consultation.
- Young children from classes 1 to 3 had to walk several kilometers daily, which was both unsafe and physically exhausting.
- The situation was especially worrisome for girls, with many families deciding to pull them out of school.
Barabanki Merger of 33 Government Schools Cancelled: Which Schools Were Affected?
Barabanki Merger of 33 Government Schools Cancelled: The merger plan impacted 33 schools across development blocks like Fatehpur, Trivediganj, Suratganj, Ramsanehighat, and others. These schools collectively enrolled over 1,200 students. After the merger, attendance in the receiving schools dropped, and many classrooms remained half empty.
Why Did the Administration Withdraw the Order?
- Local leaders and teacher unions raised strong objections.
- The education department received written complaints from multiple villages.
- A few public interest litigations even reached the High Court.
- Media coverage and civil society input indicated that the policy was failing in rural areas.
Finally, on 5th August 2025, the Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) office officially revoked the merger order and issued instructions to restart academic activities in the original schools.
What’s Next?
- All 33 schools will now reopen and function as before.
- The process of redeploying teachers to their original positions has begun.
- Students will no longer need to travel long distances for education.
- Parents have welcomed the decision and expressed gratitude to the authorities.
Big Relief for Girl Students
TBarabanki Merger of 33 Government Schools Cancelled: his move is especially beneficial for female students, who are often more vulnerable to school dropouts when infrastructure and safety are inadequate. Many girls had stopped attending school due to the merger. Now, with schools reopening in their own villages, they can safely return to the classroom.
Reactions from the Ground
- A teacher from Trivediganj said, “This is a decision that truly supports children’s futures.”
- A parent shared, “We are relieved that our children can now study nearby and safely.”
- Local representatives appreciated the administration’s receptiveness to feedback.
Suggestions for Future Policies
- No major decision like school mergers should be taken without community consultation.
- Basic infrastructure and transport options must be ensured before implementing such policies.
- Female student safety and enrollment must be given priority.
- School mergers, if needed, should be based on thorough ground surveys, not just data.
Barabanki Merger of 33 Government Schools Cancelled: Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Schools | 33 Primary Government Schools |
| Merger Cancelled On | 5th August 2025 |
| Students Benefited | Over 1,200 |
| Community Response | Overwhelmingly positive |
| Key Concern Raised | Safety and travel distance |
| Current Status | Schools reopening; teachers redeployed |
Important Links
| Link Name | Website URL |
|---|---|
| UP Basic Education | https://basiceducation.up.gov.in |
| Our News Portal | https://delednews.in |
