Missing learners

THE Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2023-24 data paints a concerning picture for India’s school education sector. A decline of 37 lakh students in school enrolment, dropping from 25.17 crore in 2022-23 to 24.80 crore, demands introspection and action. While some of this reduction reflects enhanced accuracy due to the Aadhaar-linked unique IDs, it exposes systemic challenges that go beyond data adjustments.

Alarmingly, the data reveals a sharp decline in girl enrolment and a persistent underrepresentation of minority and marginalised communities. States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have witnessed the steepest enrolment drops, reflecting entrenched socio-economic barriers. Transition points, particularly from middle to secondary education, exacerbate dropout rates — rising from 5.2 per cent in middle school to 10.9 per cent at the secondary level. This is compounded by retention rates plummeting from 85.4 per cent to a mere 45.6 per cent. Infrastructure deficiencies further hinder progress. High-enrolment states such as West Bengal and Punjab face critical gaps. Plus, technological readiness is abysmal, with only about 57 per cent of schools equipped with functional computers. The digital divide continues to marginalise the most vulnerable students, undermining efforts for equitable education.

Despite these challenges, there are silver linings. The introduction of unique educational IDs facilitates precise tracking of dropouts and better targeting of schemes like Samagra Shiksha. However, progress demands more than data — it requires transformative policy action. Investments in teacher training, digital infrastructure and community outreach are vital. As the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aspires for universal education by 2030, India must ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all. The future of millions of young learners depends on bridging the gap between aspiration and implementation.