Jamshedpur: The East Singhbhum administration has approved the upgrade of 46 high schools into Plus II 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.
He said, “The move would strengthen educational infrastructure and improve access to quality education. Enabling students to pursue higher education in their localities would reduce the need for long-distance travel and help improve enrolment and retention among rural students.”
The proposals were approved after reviewing recommendations received from various blocks in accordance with directives issued by the directorate of secondary education (DSE), officials said.
Several students in rural areas, especially girls, often discontinue their education after Class X due to financial constraints and the absence of higher secondary institutions in their neighbourhood that forces them to travel 20-30 km daily for lessons.
With Plus II classes being introduced in these schools, students will be able to continue their studies closer home, reducing travel time and transportation costs. The initiative would also help ease pressure on colleges and support the objectives of National Education Policy (NEP), officials said.
The schools that would be upgraded to middle schools are Primary School, Bankai, in Musaboni block and Primary School, Nandnagar, in Jamshedpur block.
There is no middle school within a 5-km radius of Bankai primary school, which is located in a remote forest area, officials added.
