Question : Education in Rural Areas

(a) the number of schools in the country having only one room and one teacher, State/ UT-wise; and

(b) whether it is a fact that such schools are not able to attract and retain students and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a) : A statement showing the State and UT wise details of schools with single teacher and schools with single classroom is annexed.

(b) : Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) programme provide a number of incentives to increase the enrolment and retention of children in schools. These include enhancing access to elementary schools, strengthening school infrastructure like school building, additional classrooms, toilets, drinking water facilities etc., and improving the pupil teacher ratio. In addition, 3598 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas or residential schools for girls belonging predominantly to the SC, ST, OBC and minorities at upper primary level in educationally backward blocks of the country have been set up. The Mid-Day Meal programme is also implemented in elementary schools to help retain children in schools.

During the Annual Work Plans and Budget (AWP&B) meetings for SSA every year, the Project Approval Board (PAB) has been stressing on ensuring at least two teachers in primary schools/sections, three subject teachers in upper primary sections and a provision of one classroom per teacher. These provisions are in accordance with the Schedule to the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

Many States are rationalizing stand-alone primary school with only one room and low enrolment by creating composite school where such school may be merged or they are mentored by a larger school in the same geographical area.

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