LUCKNOW, July 8 -- The pairing of schools initiative is aimed at revitalising the state's basic education system, the Uttar Pradesh government claimed, describing it as a transformative structural reform, according to an official statement. This move addresses the deep-rooted challenge of thousands of small, under-enrolled schools that have historically led to isolation for teachers and students, reduced peer learning opportunities, and weakened school governance, the statement added. Explaining the pairing of schools, the statement said, "The policy emphasises on judicious school consolidation without impacting access to overcome systemic inefficiencies and enable schools to function as vibrant, collaborative, and well-managed learning spaces." The reform is guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks at the Chief Secretaries' Conference where he recommended an inclusive and phased transition for children from small to larger schools. He proposed "exposure picnics" to help students from smaller schools gradually integrate into larger campuses through joyful experiences in sports, arts, and group activities, the press release read. Madhya Pradesh's "Ek Parisar Ek Shaala" merged schools significantly reducing multi-grade teaching and improving school leadership, the government statement said. Himachal Pradesh and Odisha also rationalised schools to ensure equitable teacher deployment, and saw improvements in infrastructure use and teaching quality, the statement added Under the pairing model, low-enrolment schools will be converted into Bal Vatika centres, in line with NEP 2020's emphasis on early childhood education. Larger "host"schools will receive students from "guest" schools, enabling more structured academic routines, dedicated subject instruction, and access to better infrastructure. The initiative also prioritises holistic development through team-based learning, project work, and integration of sports and digital tools to nurture 21st-century skills, the statement said. "This is not a story of school closures-it is a story of revitalisation. Through pairing, Uttar Pradesh is ensuring that every child learns in a vibrant, inclusive, and enabling environment. With sustained community support, the state is setting a new benchmark in public education reform," the statement said....