Another impact of rural-urban migration is starting to show, at least in Zhemgang. The shrinking population has led to lesser number of students being enrolled in schools which mean some schools in Zhemgang had to be closed down and some downgraded.
Last year, Dali Community School in Zhemgang was closed down. Tali, Rabati and Kikhar Community Primary Schools are also on the line. These three schools were once primary schools. They had to be downgraded to community schools. “The schools will be further downgraded to extended classrooms,” said the Principal of Tali Community Primary School, Shankar Gurung. He said every year there is a decline in enrolment. Tali Community Primary School has just about 28 students as of now.
According to the statistic by National Statistic Bureau, there were only 525 students enrolled in Pre-Primary in Zhemgang in 2008. The number decreased to 410 by 2010.
Many students who went to schools in 80s and 90s began to migrate for better opportunities. Those who stayed back decided on family planning. The campaign for family planning had begun in earnest in early 80s.
“Family planning and education policy were on collision then,” said Shingkhar Gup, Nedup.
The Dzongkhag education officials say, by 11th Five Year Plan, the new policy of education ministry will be implemented. According to the new policy, all the community schools which have more than 100 students seeking enrollment will be upgraded to primary schools and the rest will function as Extended Class Rooms.
