Gangtok, April 1: The Sikkim government plans to temporarily shut 17 additional primary schools this year due to declining student numbers, Education Secretary Tashi Chophel Lepcha said on Wednesday, citing the state’s low fertility rate.

Speaking at the State Level Education Conference in Chintan Bhawan, Lepcha described low enrolment as a major challenge for the school system. Last year, 38 primary schools were temporarily closed, and the latest proposal targets 17 more.

“Sikkim’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) stands at 1.0 the lowest in India affecting population growth and school admissions,” Lepcha said.

He also raised concerns over frequent teacher transfers and suggested introducing a Transfer Policy Act to ensure stability, transparency, and predictability in postings. Lepcha emphasized the need for more trained educators to support inclusive education, noting that staff shortages require teachers to multitask across schools, which reduces focus on individual students.

The education department plans to open a Chief Minister’s Model School in Dzongu, with similar schools proposed for Namchi and Soreng, and potential further expansion.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang urged officials to strengthen Sikkim’s education system and aim for top rankings nationally. He also announced that annual district-level conferences will be held to gather wider feedback and implement local improvements.