Mizoram Plans Further Government Takeover of Private Schools

Aizawl: Mizoram officials are weighing the takeover of additional private and aided schools. School Education Minister Vanlalthlana confirmed the plan during the Assembly session on August 25. The Zoram People's Movement government previously greenlit the provincialisation of 51 institutions. That batch included 12 higher secondary schools, 34 high schools, and five elementary schools.

The administration is currently reviewing a list of 180 schools recommended by the former government. New criteria for these takeovers have already cleared the state Cabinet. "The criteria for further provincialisation have already been reviewed by the Cabinet," Vanlalthlana told the Assembly. Officials will assess schools based on student enrolment, institution age, and proximity to existing government facilities.

The government is splitting the state into three distinct zones for these assessments. The Aizawl Municipal Corporation and Lunglei Municipal Council areas form the first group. District headquarters and sites with Sub-Divisional Offices fall into the second. All other locations constitute the third category. Officials will set enrolment thresholds at 75 percent or 50 percent depending on these specific zones. They will also count local households to verify necessity.

The 51 schools already taken over followed rules set in January 2025. Higher secondary schools needed 10 years of grant-in-aid status, specific enrolment numbers, and 80 percent pass rates. High schools also required a decade of grant-in-aid history and building ownership. Elementary schools face similar 10-year requirements with a 25-student minimum. Future decisions on remaining schools will depend on these strict eligibility conditions.