Alld HC junks pleas against move to pair govt schools
The court said that the state govt is bound to ensure that no child is left out because of any action taken by it.
Pronouncing the verdict reserved on July 4, 2025, the bench of Justice Pankaj Bhatia dismissed two separate writ petitions filed by Krishna Kumari and others. The petitioners had demanded the cancellation of the state govt's June 16 order in this connection.
The petitioners had pleaded that the govt decision would deprive children, aged 6 to 14, from getting education in their neighbourhood which would be a violation of Article 21A of the Constitution of India.
Opposing the pleas, additional advocate general Anuj Kudesia, assisted by chief standing counsel SK Singh and Sandeep Dixit, counsel for director, basic education, said that the schools would not be merged but 'paired' to improve the quality of education. They added that the impugned govt order was passed in a perfectly legal manner.
Passing the judgment, the bench observed, "On a complete analysis of Rule 4(1), Rule 4(2) and Rule 4(3) read conjointly of the Right to Education Act, it is clear that the state government is bound to establish school on the nearest possible place from a habitation and in the absence thereof, it is obliged to ensure transportation facilities etc.,
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and in conjunction thereof identifying the neighbourhood schools, whether they are government schools or otherwise.
"
Considering the Nation Education Policy, 2020, framed by the central govt, the bench said, "The policy is laudable, and prescriptions have been given with regard to the steps to be taken to ensure that education is imparted at the initial level to all the citizens and the children of the country. There being no material to the contrary in respect of guidelines of pairing in the 2020 policy, which can be said to be arbitrary or in violation of Article 21A of the Constitution and finding the Government Order of June 16 to be in furtherance of the said objective, no interference is called for.
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Structural reform through pairing
of schools will revitalise edu: Govt
Times News Network
Lucknow: The state govt's initiative to pair schools is a transformative structural reform aimed at revitalising the basic education system in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a govt spokesperson said.
"This move addresses the deep-rooted challenge of thousands of small, under-enrolled schools that historically led to isolation for teachers and students, reduced peer learning opportunities, and weakened school governance," he said.
According to education department's officials, under the pairing model, low-enrolment schools will be converted into Bal Vatika centres, in line with the emphasis of NEP 2020 on early childhood education. Larger 'host' schools will receive students from 'guest' schools, enabling more structured academic routines, dedicated subject instruction, and access to better infrastructure.
"The initiative prioritises holistic development through team-based learning, project work, and integration of sports and digital tools to nurture 21st century skills," an official said.
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