Three of the four locations fall in Kangra district.
Dharamshala (Arvind Sharma) |
In a significant policy revision, the Himachal Pradesh government has cancelled the proposed merger of boys’ and girls’ schools at four locations in the state after local protests and an administrative review.
Secretary (Education), Rakesh Kanwar, stated that the decision has been taken as a partial modification of the department’s notification dated February 18, 2026, with approval from the Governor.
According to the revised orders, the eight affected institutions—comprising four boys’ and four girls’ schools—will now function independently. At each location, one school will be affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and operate as a Government Senior Secondary School (up to Class 12), while the other will remain affiliated with the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) and function as a High School (up to Class 10).
Both schools at each site will be co-educational. The Director of School Education has been authorised to decide the allocation of existing premises between CBSE- and HPBOSE-affiliated institutions.
Schools Covered Under the Revised Order:
PM Shri Bakshi Tek Chand Government Model Girls Senior Secondary School and Government Boys Senior Secondary School, Nurpur (Kangra)
PM Shri Government Girls Senior Secondary School and Government Boys Senior Secondary School, Dharamshala (Kangra)
PM Shri Government Model Senior Secondary School and Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Sarkaghat
PM Shri Government Model Senior Secondary School and Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Dehra (Kangra)
Three of the four locations fall in Kangra district.
In February 2026, the state government had ordered the merger of 38 separate boys’ and girls’ schools to form 31 co-educational senior secondary institutions. Additionally, 21 single-sex schools were converted into co-educational schools to improve enrolment and optimise resources.
Over the past three years, the government has undertaken a broader restructuring of the school network. Between 2023 and January 2026, a total of 532 schools were merged with nearby institutions, while 774 schools were closed as part of rationalisation efforts.
District-wise, Kangra recorded the highest number of mergers at 141 schools, followed by Shimla (96 merged, 223 closed) and Mandi (91 merged). Other districts include Bilaspur (27), Kinnaur (10), and Lahaul and Spiti (8).
Officials said schools with zero enrolment are being de-notified or closed. In April 2026 alone, 24 such schools—19 primary and 5 middle—were shut.
The latest decision reflects a calibrated approach, balancing administrative efficiency with local concerns over access and school identity.
