The Sikkim government is planning to temporarily close 17 more primary schools this year due to declining enrolment, Education Department Secretary Tashi Chophel Lepcha said on Wednesday, attributing the trend to the state's low fertility rate. ADVERTISEMENTHe said 38 primary schools were temporarily shut last year, and a proposal has been made to close 17 more this year. "At a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.0, Sikkim has the lowest fertility rate in the country. In his address, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang urged Education Department officials to work towards making Sikkim's education system future-ready and among the best in the country. He also announced that such conferences would be held annually on a district-wise basis to ensure wider participation, better grassroots feedback and a more inclusive approach to improving the state's education system.

Source: The Telegraph April 01, 2026 12:59 UTC