India loses 10,000 government elementary schools in a single year

The number of government elementary schools in India declined by approximately 10,000 within a single year, according to recent data. Meghalaya and Telangana recorded the sharpest drops among all states. The reduction raises concerns about access to public primary education, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Analysts suggest school consolidation drives and shifting enrollment patterns may be contributing factors. The decline underscores growing scrutiny over the state of government-run elementary education infrastructure across the country.