While educational institutions across the country often grapple with overcrowding and deteriorating infrastructure, the northeastern state of Sikkim presents a starkly contrasting and alarming reality. Nestled amidst freezing mountain terrain at an altitude of 13,200 feet lies a sight that commands attention. The Tegu Primary School in East Sikkim features eight spacious classrooms, a large playground for children, and walls adorned with vibrant educational posters. However, the total number of students enrolled in this expansive facility stands at just two. These young learners are Lhakpa Tsering Sherpa and Gelchen Sherpa. The echoing silence of the large building is broken only by the voices of these two children, who are taught by three teachers who travel 15 kilometers of treacherous terrain every single day to reach the school.
This eerie quietude is not an isolated incident but a direct manifestation of a looming demographic crisis across Sikkim. The state registers the lowest birth rate in the entire country, with its total fertility rate dropping to a concerning 1.0. Due to a severe scarcity of children, several primary schools are now slated for closure. According to education department data, the fertility rate in certain pockets of the state has plummeted even further to 0.8, bringing it close to global lows seen in metropolitan areas like Seoul, which stands at 0.6.
Massive Drop in Student Enrollment
The desertion of classrooms in Sikkim is supported by striking statistical declines. Between the years 2019 and 2023, student enrollment across primary schools in the state dropped by approximately 20,000. Societal shifts have heavily contributed to this trend, including changing lifestyles among locals, a growing preference for delayed marriages, and a strong inclination toward having single-child families. In numerous rural and hilly pockets, this demographic slump has created an unusual operational imbalance where the number of school staff and teachers frequently outnumbers the active student body.
Tree Planting and Child Incentives
In an effort to counter the steady decline in population growth, the Sikkim government has rolled out several unconventional policy measures and incentive programs. One of the flagship initiatives introduced is the Mero Rukh Mero Santati, or My Tree, My Child, scheme. Under this environmental and family welfare program, parents are presented with 108 saplings to plant upon the birth of a child. Additionally, a fixed deposit of 10,800 rupees is locked in for a period of 18 years in the name of newborns belonging to economically weaker households.
Extra Increments for Government Employees
Beyond general public incentives, the state administration has targeted its own workforce to encourage larger families. Government employees in Sikkim are being granted an additional increment of approximately 3 percent on their basic salary upon the birth of a second and third child. This translates to a direct financial benefit of around 6,000 to 7,000 rupees per month for eligible employees. Despite these aggressive promotional models and financial cushions, Sikkim's unique situation serves as a stark warning of how plunging birth rates can systematically erode foundational public infrastructure and education systems over time.
