Why Did Enrolment in Government Schools Drop by 87.14 Lakh in 2023-24?
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Synopsis
The significant decline in government school enrolment by 87.14 lakh in the 2023-24 academic year raises questions about the underlying causes. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan attributes it to changes in data collection methods, while highlighting efforts to reduce dropout rates. Discover the implications of these statistics and the government's response.
Key Takeaways
- Enrolment drop of 87.14 lakh in 2023-24.
- Data collection method has changed significantly.
- New systems like UDISE+ are in place.
- Government initiatives aim to reduce dropout rates.
- Financial support under Samagra Shiksha is substantial.
New Delhi, July 21 (NationPress) The enrolment figures for government schools nationwide in the academic year 2023-24 have seen a decline of 87.14 lakh compared to the last year, as reported by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
The Minister emphasized that the drop in enrolment should not be over-analyzed, citing a complete overhaul in the data collection methodology since 2022-23, which renders comparisons with prior years statistically different and incomplete.
In response to inquiries from MPs Sougata Ray and Kishori Lal about the decline in government school enrolment, Pradhan outlined various initiatives aimed at minimizing dropout rates.
Notably, the financial support allocated to States and Union Territories for the 2024-25 fiscal year under the Samagra Shiksha scheme amounts to Rs 34,45,820.90 lakh.
Pradhan stated that it might not be fair to compare dropout rates from previous years, as the method of data collection has shifted from gross enrolment figures to tracking individual student data.
“These changes render comparisons with earlier data statistically different and incomplete,” he remarked. Based on the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020, the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) has been revamped since 2022-23 to capture individual student data and maintain a student registry.
The UDISE+ system collects information on educational indicators from all States and Union Territories, developed by the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education.
According to the Minister’s data, in the National Capital, Delhi, government school enrolment for 2023-24 stands at 25,71,404, down from 27,76,216 in 2022-23, marking a decline of over 2.04 lakh.
In Karnataka, enrolment decreased to 49,85,661 from 53,27,221, a drop exceeding 3.41 lakh. Similarly, Kerala saw enrolment figures of 18,01,570, down from 18,54,934, indicating a fall of 53,364.
Other states like Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh also reported significant declines in enrolment.
In discussing measures to address the dropout rates, Pradhan noted, “Education is listed in the concurrent domain of the Constitution, with most schools under state and UT governance. The central government supports States and UTs through the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Samagra Shiksha and the Mid Day Meal program under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) Yojna.”
Point of View
It's imperative to approach this significant decline in government school enrolment with a critical yet balanced perspective. While the shift in data collection methods is a valid reason for the reported decrease, it is essential for stakeholders to investigate underlying issues that may contribute to declining enrolment and dropout rates. Continuous efforts must be made to ensure equitable access to quality education across all states and Union Territories.
NationPress
07/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the drop in government school enrolment?
The drop in enrolment by 87.14 lakh is attributed to a complete overhaul in data collection methods, shifting from gross enrolment to individual student data.
What measures are being taken to reduce dropout rates?
The government is implementing various schemes, including financial assistance under the Samagra Shiksha program and the Mid Day Meal initiative, to help reduce dropout rates.
How does the new data collection method affect comparisons?
The new data collection method makes it statistically challenging to compare current enrolment figures with those from previous years, as the data is now more granular.
What is the role of the UDISE+ system?
The UDISE+ system is designed to capture individual student data and provide comprehensive insights into school education across states and UTs.
Why is education considered a concurrent subject in India?
Education is a concurrent subject in India, meaning both the central and state governments have roles in its administration, ensuring collaboration and shared responsibility.
