The Sikkim government is planning to temporarily close 17 more primary schools this year due to declining enrolment, Education Department Secretary Tashi Chophel Lepcha said on Wednesday, attributing the trend to the state's low fertility rate.
Speaking at the State Level Education Conference at Chintan Bhawan, Lepcha said low enrolment continues to pose a major challenge for the state's school education system.
He said 38 primary schools were temporarily shut last year, and a proposal has been made to close 17 more this year.
"At a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.0, Sikkim has the lowest fertility rate in the country. This has led to a decline in population growth as well as student enrolment," he said.
Lepcha also said the department plans to propose a Transfer Policy Act for teachers, describing frequent and irregular transfers as a major administrative challenge.
If approved, the Act is expected to bring greater stability, transparency and predictability in teacher postings, he added.
Lepcha also said inclusive education for children with special needs requires more trained teachers.
"While the government has created infrastructure for special education, there is a shortage of specialised educators, forcing existing staff to move between clusters of schools, which limits the attention each child receives," he said.
He also announced plans to establish a new Chief Minister's Model School at Dzongu, followed by similar institutions in Namchi and Soreng districts, with scope for further expansion.
In his address, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang urged Education Department officials to work towards making Sikkim's education system future-ready and among the best in the country.
He also announced that such conferences would be held annually on a district-wise basis to ensure wider participation, better grassroots feedback and a more inclusive approach to improving the state's education system.
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