Nagpur: The state govt denied that any decision was taken to merge 15 schools in Arvi taluka, Wardha district, into six cluster schools, the Maharashtra Legislative Council was informed on Tuesday.MLC Dadarao Keche asked whether the primary education division of ZP Wardha had issued a merger order and whether local representatives had demanded its cancellation. School education minister Dadadji Bhuse confirmed that a representation was received but denied any merger order was passed.An education officer convened a meeting on Jan 19 on the lines of the PM SHRI scheme concept, but no resolution was adopted at that meeting. No state-level approval for cluster school formation in Arvi taluka has been granted, Bhuse said.A representation from local representatives dated Feb 11 was received at the school education minister’s office demanding that any such decision be cancelled, on the grounds that it would adversely affect the right to education of students from economically weaker households. Gram residents and parents also demanded that schools with low enrolment not be shut.No state-level policy decision on cluster school formation anywhere in Wardha district was indicated in the written reply.
