Maharashtra halts small school shutdowns for a three-month impact study after protests

The Maharashtra government has paused plans to shut down or merge schools with fewer than twenty students, agreeing to run a three-month study on how these moves affect student access to learning. This decision follows an indefinite sit-in protest led by the Shala Vachava, Shikshan Vachava forum at Azad Maidan starting October 5. The group wants the state to cancel a March 2024 order that targeted schools with low enrollment numbers. Government data from 2025 shows the state has 14,251 such schools.

Impact Study

During the three-month review, officials will look at travel distance to the next school, travel time, safe transport options, local geography, and the safety of girl students. The study will also check the needs of children with disabilities and local social conditions, along with whether a school sits in a tribal, hilly, or remote area. The state will gather feedback from parents and gram sabhas before making any final choices.

Protest Status

Sampat Desai, who leads the protest forum, pointed out that closing government or aided schools simply because they have few students is incorrect. The forum paused its protest after receiving government assurances that no student will drop out or miss classes because of school changes. Protesters plan to launch a bigger protest if the state fails to carry out these promises by December. The group also asked for a review committee made up of teachers, parents, experts, local leaders, and members from disadvantaged groups.

Context

State governments often review small enrollment schools to manage budgets and resources more efficiently, but such plans frequently spark pushback from local communities who fear losing basic education access. These policy disputes usually center on finding the right balance between public spending and making sure children in remote or rural areas can still reach a classroom safely.