Preschool participation in Delhi falls from 99% to 60% in a year

The National Capital has witnessed a sharp decline in preschool enrolments, according to Delhi State Indicator Framework report.

As per the report, the participation rate dropped from 99.7 per cent in 2021-22, to just 59.8 per cent by 2022-23, a sudden drop of nearly 40 percentage points in a single year.

This poses concern as the same report also mentions that the school infrastructure had improved significantly.

“By 2022-23, all schools had access to electricity, drinking water, sanitation, ICT facilities, and ramps and adapted toilets for children with disabilities. Nearly all primary and secondary teachers are now trained,” the report stated.

Experts say the decline stems from a shortage of pre-primary sections and trained teachers. Most government schools only have one preschool section with limited seats, leaving many parents unable to secure admission. Overcrowded classrooms and lack of attention from the teachers have also made parents lose confidence. Many now choose to teach their children at home for the early years and admit them directly to Class 1, where teaching is more structured.

Social worker and advocate Ashok Aggarwal said, “Most government schools only have one preschool section with around 40 seats, while the demand is much higher. Parents prefer schools running from Class I through XII, like Sarvodaya schools, for continuity and good facilities. When children are denied admission, parents are left with few options. Some send their children to MCD schools out of compulsion, while others choose private playschools if they can afford them. The government’s decision not to expand preschool sections has discouraged many parents and directly caused this fall in enrolment.”

Some parents also prefer home-based learning due to overcrowded classrooms. Satish Kumar, a shopkeeper, said, “Many parents like us teach our children at home instead of sending them to preschools. One teacher often handles too many students, so kids hardly learn anything. Classrooms are not as active or engaging. That’s why we keep children at home for the early years, teach them the basics ourselves, and then admit them directly to Class I.”

The report contrasts this setback with Delhi’s otherwise strong education indicators. Yet, the collapse in pre-primary participation highlights a weak link that could undermine gains at later stages and raises urgent questions for policymakers on whether current schemes adequately support early childhood education.