Ajay Singh demands halt to Madhya Pradesh government school mergers

Former Leader of Opposition Ajay Singh has called for an immediate halt to the merger of government schools in Madhya Pradesh. He alleges that the state government is using school mergers as a pretext to gradually close down public educational institutions, particularly in rural areas.

Singh claims that departmental guidelines requiring a two-kilometer radius for mergers are being violated, with schools located five to ten kilometers apart being merged. He noted that this policy is disproportionately affecting poor students in rural sectors, specifically female students, who face increased difficulties due to longer distances, lack of transportation, and safety concerns.

In addition to stopping the mergers, Singh demanded the cancellation of all existing merger orders, the repair of dilapidated school buildings, and the immediate filling of vacant teaching positions. Protests against the policy have reportedly occurred in regions including Sagar, Ujjain, Sehore, Satna, Raisen, and Vidisha.