Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has raised concerns over the merging of government schools in Uttar Pradesh, calling it a planned move to weaken the public education system. He alleged that the BJP-led government is systematically reducing access to education for underprivileged children. Yadav questioned the rationale behind the policy and urged the public to oppose it. The statement has sparked political debate on the state’s approach to education and the impact of school infrastructure changes.
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Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav has criticised the Uttar Pradesh government’s ongoing policy of merging government-run schools, alleging that it is part of a larger conspiracy to weaken the public education system. In a recent statement, Yadav claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is undermining accessible education for children from economically weaker sections by reducing the number of functional schools in rural and semi-urban areas.
According to Yadav, the school merger policy is being implemented without proper consultation or assessment of its long-term impact on students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. He stated that the closure or merging of schools is forcing students to travel longer distances, discouraging regular attendance and increasing dropout rates, particularly among girls.
Yadav further alleged that the motive behind the policy is to gradually push parents toward private schools, where education comes at a significant financial cost. He criticised the BJP for promoting commercialisation in education while neglecting the needs of public institutions. He also highlighted the importance of local government schools in ensuring basic education to millions who cannot afford private alternatives.
The former chief minister pointed out that in several districts, primary and junior schools have already been merged or closed, citing administrative convenience. He questioned whether the government had conducted any ground-level studies to understand the effects of such a decision. According to Yadav, the state is not facing a shortage of funds, but rather a lack of political will to invest in public education.
Akhilesh Yadav called on educators, parents, and civil society organisations to speak out against what he termed a regressive policy. He urged voters to demand accountability from elected representatives and prioritise education in the public discourse. He said that strengthening the public education system should be a top priority for any responsible government.
The Uttar Pradesh government has defended its policy by stating that the school mergers aim to improve efficiency, resource allocation, and teacher availability. Officials argue that merging underutilised schools helps consolidate teaching staff and ensures better use of infrastructure. They also claim that the changes will lead to improved learning outcomes by concentrating resources.
However, education experts remain divided on the matter. While some agree that school mergers may help in streamlining operations, others argue that the policy could widen the educational gap between urban and rural areas if not implemented carefully.
Political observers view Yadav’s remarks as a strategic move to position education as a key electoral issue ahead of upcoming elections. With education playing a central role in social mobility, the debate over school mergers is likely to continue gaining attention across Uttar Pradesh.
In the coming weeks, both the state government and opposition leaders are expected to further clarify their positions as public pressure builds around the quality and accessibility of education in the state.
