More than 2,000 government schools across Telangana have reported zero student enrollment in the current academic year, raising serious concerns about the state of public education and prompting urgent reviews by education authorities. The development has triggered debate among policymakers, educators, and parent groups over access, infrastructure, and declining trust in government-run schools.
According to data from the state education department, these schools—mostly primary and upper primary institutions—failed to admit even a single student during the annual enrollment drive. Officials said many of the affected schools are located in rural and semi-urban areas where populations have shifted, private schooling options have expanded, or nearby schools have been merged under rationalization policies.
Education officials acknowledged that migration, falling birth rates in certain districts, and parental preference for private schools have contributed to the decline. However, critics argue that poor infrastructure, teacher shortages, and inconsistent learning outcomes are driving families away from government schools.
“This is a warning sign that cannot be ignored,” said a senior education activist. “Zero enrollment reflects deeper systemic issues, not just demographic change.”
The Telangana government has initiated district-level reviews to assess whether these schools should be merged, relocated, or upgraded. Officials said no immediate closures are planned, stressing that decisions will be taken cautiously to avoid disrupting access to education in remote areas.
Teachers’ unions have urged the government to focus on strengthening existing schools rather than shutting them down. They warned that closures could lead to job losses and force children in marginal communities to travel longer distances for education.
Opposition leaders accused the government of neglecting public education while allowing unchecked growth of private institutions. They called for targeted investments in classrooms, digital learning tools, and teacher training to restore confidence in government schools.
Education experts say the issue mirrors a broader national trend, with several states reporting declining enrollment in public schools post-pandemic. They emphasize the need for data-driven planning, improved learning outcomes, and community engagement to reverse the trend.
As Telangana prepares for the next phase of its education reforms, the zero-enrollment figures are expected to play a key role in shaping policy decisions. Officials say a comprehensive report will be submitted to the state cabinet in the coming weeks, outlining corrective measures and long-term strategies to revive government schooling.
