Controversy Over Primary School Mergers: UP Government Under Scrutiny

The Allahabad High Court has raised concerns about the Uttar Pradesh government's move to merge primary schools. The court has inquired if a survey was conducted before making this decision and demanded the presentation of any such report by Friday to avoid possible penalties.

Justice Pankaj Bhatia has warned that the hearing, postponed to Friday, will not be deferred again. Lawyers for the petitioners argue that the merger undermines Article 21 A of the Constitution and the Right to Education Act.

The state government, represented by legal counsel, cited low student numbers as a reason for the mergers, prompting the court to demand evidence of any survey conducted to support this claim. The case underscores tensions between administrative decisions and constitutional rights.

(With inputs from agencies.)