Parliament Question: Closer of Schools by SAIL

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STEEL LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3988 FOR ANSWER ON 17.03.2026 CLOSER OF SCH OOLS BY SAIL 3988. SHRI DULU MAHATO: Will the Minister of STEEL be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware that the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has closed down about 18 schools in Bokaro under the Dhanbad Lok Sabha Constituency thereby undermining the vision of the Right to Education (RTE); (b) whether the Government considers that the closure of these schools has deprived children of quality education and equal opportunities, contrary to the objectives of the RTE Act; (c) whether the Government is aware that parents are compelled to send their children to private schools, resulting in heavy financial burden on families; (d) whether the Government can clarify which level of authority decided the closure and whether local communities or representatives were consulted; and (e) whether the Government proposes to direct SAIL to reopen these schools urgently to safeguard children’s education? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE (SHRI BHUPATHIRAJU SRINIVASA VARMA) MINISTRY OF STEEL (a)to(e): Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has developed township infrastructure, including schools, primarily for the welfare of employees and the local community around its plants. In recent years, SAIL has been reviewing and rationalising certain non-core facilities and township services in line with evolving workforce patterns, demographic changes and the need to enhance operational efficiency. As part of this process, the utilisation of educational facilities in Bokaro township has also been reviewed. Based on enrolment trends and infrastructure utilisation, certain schools have been reorganised or merged, with students and teachers being appropriately accommodated in other nearby SAIL schools. These measures have been undertaken with the objective of ensuring better academic outcomes and efficient use of resources. Educational facilities continue to remain available in the Bokaro township area through SAIL-run schools as well as Government and private institutions operating in the vicinity. Operational decisions relating to township facilities, including schools, are taken by the management of the concerned SAIL unit in accordance with established policies and requirements. *****