India has witnessed a significant decline in school enrolment, with a drop of over 1 crore students since the 2018-19 academic year, according to the latest Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) report. This development raises critical concerns about student retention and access to education across the country.
Key Findings of the Report
Decline in Enrolment Numbers
- In the 2018-19 academic year, school enrolment stood at 26.02 crore students, which saw an increase to 26.45 crore in 2019-20.
- A minor decline occurred during the 2020-21 academic year, followed by a marginal recovery in 2021-22.
- By 2023-24, the enrolment figure dropped to 24.8 crore, marking a significant 6% decline (approximately 1.22 crore students) from 2018-19 levels.
Enhanced Data Collection
The UDISE+ system has improved its methodology by collecting Aadhaar details on a voluntary basis to eliminate duplicate and ghost entries. As of the 2023-24 academic year, over 19.7 crore students provided their Aadhaar numbers, ensuring more accurate and reliable enrolment data.
Potential Reasons for the Decline
Experts suggest that the decline in enrolment could be attributed to a combination of factors, including:
- Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prolonged school closures during the pandemic disrupted education for millions of students.
- Economic Challenges: Financial difficulties in households may have forced many students to discontinue their education.
- Improved Data Accuracy: The enhanced data collection measures by UDISE+ have addressed inaccuracies in previous enrolment records.
Implications and the Way Forward
The declining enrolment numbers highlight the urgent need for targeted policies to improve access to education, particularly for marginalized communities. While the improved data accuracy is a positive step, the figures underscore the importance of addressing systemic issues in India’s education system.
Policymakers must prioritize measures to:
- Enhance school infrastructure and teaching quality.
- Provide financial and logistical support to economically disadvantaged students.
- Promote awareness about the value of education in rural and underserved areas.
