Why Does Kolkata Represent Over 34% of Zero-Enrolment Schools in Bengal?
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Synopsis
Kolkata's alarming statistic of over 34% zero-enrolment schools raises questions about the state of education in West Bengal. As the government plans to shut down these institutions, critics argue about the implications for students and the future of education in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Kolkata has the highest number of zero-enrolment schools in West Bengal.
- Government plans closure of schools with no students since 2020.
- Critics highlight the poor state of education.
- Other states are expanding, while West Bengal is shutting down schools.
- Empty schools indicate an urgent need for educational reform.
Kolkata, July 8 (NationPress) Kolkata alone constitutes more than 34 percent of the zero-enrolment schools in West Bengal, based on internal data from the state’s school education department.
Zero-enrolment schools are defined as institutions that currently have no active students. The data reveals that there are 348 such schools distributed across 23 districts in the state. With many of these schools remaining empty since 2020, the state government has made the decision to close them down.
Out of the total, 119 schools are located in Kolkata, accounting for 34.19 percent of all zero-enrolment schools in the state. Following Kolkata, North 24 Parganas has 60 schools (17.24 percent), Howrah has 24 (6.89 percent), and East Burdwan has 18 (5.17 percent).
On the other hand, Cooch Behar in north Bengal boasts just one zero-enrolment school, making it the top-performing district in this regard. Both Birbhum and Kalimpong each only have two such schools.
BJP state general secretary Jagannath Chattopadhyay described these figures as a "pathetic reflection" of the state's educational system. “Many of these zero-enrolment schools are over 50 years old. Additionally, numerous other schools face extremely low enrolment rates. The government plans to close these down in phases as well,” he stated.
He further commented, “While other states are opening new schools, West Bengal is shutting down existing ones. After 14 years of Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, this is the condition of education.”
Officials from the state education department, including Education Minister Bratya Basu, have refrained from commenting on the situation.
Earlier this month, BJP IT Cell chief and the party’s central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, also criticized the state government regarding what he termed as the increasing exodus of undergraduate students to institutions in other states. He pointed to the government's decision to extend the college admission application deadline by two weeks as an indicator of poor student interest in local colleges.
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge the serious implications of Kolkata's zero-enrolment schools. The data presents a concerning image of the educational landscape in West Bengal, prompting a need for urgent reforms. The critique from political figures highlights an ongoing challenge that could affect the future of education in the region. It’s essential to ensure that every child has access to quality education, which is a fundamental right.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are zero-enrolment schools?
Zero-enrolment schools are educational institutions that currently have no students enrolled. They indicate a significant issue within the education system.
How many zero-enrolment schools are there in Kolkata?
Kolkata has 119 zero-enrolment schools, which is more than 34% of the total in West Bengal.
What is the government's plan for these schools?
The state government plans to close down the zero-enrolment schools, many of which have been empty since 2020.
Who has criticized the current state of education in West Bengal?
BJP state general secretary Jagannath Chattopadhyay and BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya are among those who have criticized the current educational landscape in West Bengal.
What are the implications of closing these schools?
Closing these schools may lead to a further decline in educational opportunities for children in the region, raising concerns about future access to quality education.
