Jamshedpur: The East Singhbhum district administration has approved the upgradation of 46 high schools into Plus Two institutions from the next academic session. Also, 15 middle schools would be upgraded to high schools and two primary schools to middle schools, allowing students to continue education in their own institutions.The decision was taken during a meeting of the district establishment committee (DEC) chaired by deputy commissioner (DC) Rajiv Ranjan on Friday.Ranjan said, “The decisions would strengthen the district’s educational infrastructure and improve access to quality education. Enabling students to pursue higher classes within their localities would reduce the need for long-distance travel and help improve enrolment and retention among rural students.”The proposal to upgrade the 46 high schools was cleared after reviewing recommendations received from various blocks in accordance with directives issued by the directorate of secondary education (DSE), Jharkhand govt, officials said.The move is expected to benefit students in rural areas, many of whom travel 20-30 km to continue their studies after Class X. Several students, especially girls, often discontinue their education due to financial constraints and the absence of nearby higher secondary institutions.With Plus-Two classes being introduced in these schools, students will be able to continue their studies closer to home, reducing travel time and transportation costs. The initiative would also help ease pressure on colleges and support the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP), officials said.The committee also considered proposals to upgrade Primary School, Bankai, in Musaboni block and Primary School, Nandnagar, in Jamshedpur block into middle schools. Students of Bankai primary school, located in a remote forested area, face significant difficulties as there is no middle school within a 5-km radius, officials added.
