Telangana to close down ‘empty’ schools

Khammam: The Telangana state government’s decision to close down schools where the students’ strength is less than the prescribed number is giving sleepless nights to parents.

N. Sankaraiah, a parent of Korrathanda under Kamepally mandal, is among many who is worried that his ward will have no school to go to. Sankaraiah’s son attends the primary school in Korrathanda which has a strength of only three. The school may be closed down any time.

Sankaraiah was in Khammam city on Tuesday to represent his case to the administration.

The strength in primary schools of Ramavaram Colony in Kothagudem and Chimavarigudem in Singareni mandal is around four each.

There are 298 such primary schools in the district and the fate of these schools is bleak, due to the government’s decision.

Interestingly, the number of students in schools located in towns is also not too impressive.

N. Bhaskara Rao, a retired headmaster said that the parents who believe that state-run schools do not impart quality education are sending their wards to private schools.

“This is not good. The government should provide basic facilities first in the schools,” he said, adding that the closing down of schools would hit education in rural areas.

There are 3,415 schools in the district.