The ‘sdecisionto merge government schools in line with the Centre’s New Education Policy (NEP) is creating ripples among parents and teachers.
The government directed that the schools with Classes III, IV and V be mapped for merger with the high schools within 3-km.
Academicians say the decision is likely to increase the dropout rate among girls from rural areas as it would be difficult for them to go up to 3 km for a public school.
The state government said that children from Class-III to V crossing the man-managed RAILWAY level crossing gates to reach the schools should not be treated as barriers for merger.