Gangtok, Nov 15: The Sikkim government has announced the closure of 97 government-run schools across the state due to a significant shortage of students. Education Minister Raju Basnet confirmed the decision on Thursday, revealing that the closures will take effect after the current semester.

The affected schools include 78 primary schools, 12 junior high schools, and 7 senior secondary schools. The move aims to optimize educational resources and address the growing challenges posed by low enrolment, particularly in rural areas where student numbers have been steadily declining.