Primary Schools with zero children to be closed across Gujarat, DPEO gets strict orders

In a significant move following the completion of the state-run and corporation-managed primary school enrollment drive, the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) has issued strict instructions to all District Primary Education Officers (DPEOs) and local education authorities.

As per the new directive, any government primary school with zero student enrollment as of the cut-off date of July 31 will be immediately shut down.

Mandatory Data Updates on Education Portals

Authorities have been directed to upload the complete student enrollment data on the CTS (Child Tracking System) portal. In addition, student and teacher information must be updated on the SAS (School Administrative System) and Teacher Portal.

According to the government resolution on transfers of head teachers and principals, staff postings will now be determined based on the combined number of students from Grades 1 to 5, including those admitted in Balvatika (pre-primary sections).

Strict Action on False Reporting and Teacher Surplus

The government circular emphasizes that any schools showing “ghost” enrollments—false or exaggerated student numbers—to retain surplus teachers or positions will face serious consequences. Such cases must be personally verified by the DPEOs. If a school is found to have only one or two students and is still showing inflated numbers, this will be treated as a violation.

Officers to Be Held Accountable for Non-Compliance

If schools with zero enrollment are not shut down as instructed, responsibility will lie with the concerned Taluka Primary Education Officers (TPEOs), DPEOs, and other education officials.

Special Instructions for Data on Divyang (Differently-Abled) Students

Schools have also been instructed to separately register data on students with disabilities. Only students with 40% or more disability and registered on the UDID (Unique Disability ID) portal should be reported. The data must be compiled and submitted on the respective portal.

In summary, the government has taken a firm stand on optimizing school operations by ensuring that schools with no students are closed and that teaching resources are allocated based on actual, verified data.