Agency: Education Minister, Yeezang De Thapa, addressed questions on the government’s pledge to open new community and Chiwog schools amidst the challenges of declining student enrollment and the ongoing school rationalization program under the 13th Five-Year-Plan.
Currently, public schools across 20 dzongkhags and 4 thromdes accommodate 148,472 students out of a total capacity of 178,432, leaving a surplus of 29,960 spaces.
Addressing the government’s pledge to open new community schools, Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa explained that a thorough assessment is needed to ensure optimal utilization of available intake capacity in public schools.
Lyonpo said, “Where it is deemed critically necessary and sustainable, the government remains committed to opening new community schools.”
On the feasibility of establishing Chiwog schools, she highlighted that the practicality of such an initiative depends on sustainability and enrollment levels.
Lyonpo acknowledged that while central schools have been effective in attracting students from surrounding areas, this trend has led to the closure of smaller schools.