Experts, while finding merits in the argument, also cautioned that such measures may have also resulted in more students falling out of the system.

When two or more schools are merged, the distance to schools increases for many students, leading them to drop out of the system, particularly for girls. “Merger of schools increases distance, which reduces students’ chances to gain access, especially for girls, where parents don’t feel safe,” said Anita Rampal, professor and former dean, Faculty of Education, Delhi University.

Anil Swarup, former school education secretary, said school consolidation was needed in some cases. “There can be a reason for the closure of some schools when there are very few children in such schools.”