Online Petition
Subject: Regarding the closure of schools from Class 1 to 12 under the Cluster/Merger Scheme in Uttarakhand.

Addressed To:
To,
Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Uttarakhand, Dehradun
Hon’ble Education Minister, Government of Uttarakhand, Dehradun
Director, Uttarakhand Board of School Education, Dehradun

 
Petition Description:
We need your help. Please come forward to save the schools and education system in Uttarakhand.

There is widespread talk about merging primary, upper primary, and secondary government schools in Uttarakhand to create cluster schools. Thousands of schools are expected to be closed under this initiative. The government claims that merging low-enrollment schools into larger clusters will provide students with better resources and education. This move is being made under the National Education Policy, 2020. However, the government is turning away from its fundamental responsibilities and the basic right to education.

In a geographically challenging hilly state like Uttarakhand, and even in its rural plains, closing down nearby schools will result in many students losing access to education altogether. Students in remote areas already face many difficulties due to the scattered location of schools. Education is one of the major reasons behind migration from hill regions. Most students in these schools come from economically weak and underprivileged communities. With school closures, it will become even more difficult for young children to travel to distant schools. Lacking resources, poor parents will have no option but to pull their children out of school. This move will have the most devastating impact on girls' education, as in the absence of nearby government schools, they are the first to be denied education.

Additionally, closing schools will affect thousands of permanent and temporary jobs — including teachers, support staff, para-teachers, guest teachers, contract workers, and mid-day meal staff. Employment opportunities for youth preparing for teaching positions will also shrink.

Closing down primary and secondary schools under the guise of “merger” is a clear violation of the Right to Education Act, 2009, whose Section 6 mandates that a primary school must be established in areas with a minimum population of 300 and within a 1 km radius. This also directly violates Article 21-A (Right to Education as a Fundamental Right) and Article 46 of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which emphasizes the promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections.

 
We, the undersigned, demand the following:
Immediately halt the closure of schools under the Cluster/Merger scheme.
Withdraw the anti-student National Education Policy, 2020.
Ensure free, equitable, scientific, and rational education for all students.
Put an end to the arbitrariness of private schools — the government must regulate their fees, curriculum, and uniform costs.
 
Let us come together to protect government schools and the future of our children in Uttarakhand.
Let us continue the legacy of bringing quality education to every child in every village.

Please sign this petition and share it with students, friends, families, and all justice-loving citizens.
Your one signature can play a crucial role in saving education.

With this hope, and
In solidarity,

Parivartankami Chatra Sangathan (PACHAAS)
(Revolutionary Student Organization)