Despite initiatives, trust in government education falters across the state
Team Clarion
BHOPAL – Madhya Pradesh continues to grapple with a significant decline in student enrolment in government schools, despite various initiatives aimed at improving educational quality. Data from the Madhya Pradesh State Education Centre reveals a troubling trend, with approximately 700,000 fewer students enrolling in government schools this year compared to the previous year.
The state government has implemented the new education policy, introducing several reforms and schemes, including free textbooks, uniforms, and mid-day meals, to attract students. Initiatives like the “School Chalen Hum Abhiyan” and “Griha Sampark Abhiyan” have also been launched, involving ministers and public representatives in encouraging student enrolment. However, these efforts have not yielded the desired results, leading to a growing lack of confidence among students and their parents regarding the quality of education in government schools.
The admission process for Classes I to VIII is ongoing until October, but current enrolment figures indicate a concerning decline. Approximately 56 lakh students have enrolled in Classes I to VIII this session, down from 63 lakh last year. This drop raises serious questions about the diminishing trust in government schools and the perceived quality of education they offer.
The situation is particularly dire, with reports indicating that there are 5,500 schools in the state with no students enrolled in the first class. Additionally, 25,000 schools have only two students each, while 11,000 schools have just ten students enrolled. These statistics, sourced from the enrolment data on the State Education Centre’s portal, highlight the deteriorating condition of education in Madhya Pradesh.
In Bhopal, the state capital, the situation mirrors the overall decline in enrolment. Of the 771 government schools, 47 have reported no students enrolled in the first class this year, and 225 schools have only two students each. This trend suggests that even the capital’s schools are not immune to the decline in admissions.
There are 355 schools across 38 districts in Madhya Pradesh where teachers are present, yet no students are enrolled. This misallocation of resources presents a significant issue, prompting the education department to consider transferring teachers from these schools to those with a higher student population but a shortage of educators. Notably, three schools in Bhopal fall into this category.
The state education department has identified several factors contributing to the declining enrolment in government schools:
1. Migration: Many families relocate for employment or other reasons, impacting student enrolment in their original schools.
2. Mapping of Samagra ID: Ineffective mapping of children with their Samagra ID hampers the admission process, especially when children move frequently.
3. Change of Location: Relocation of families often results in incomplete enrolment, leading to an increase in schools with no students.
To address these challenges, the education department has initiated several measures. Harjinder Singh, Director of the State Education Centre, stated that efforts such as the Griha Sampark Abhiyan and improved mapping of Samagra ID are underway to boost student enrolment. Furthermore, the department is prioritising the transfer of teachers from schools with zero enrolments to those experiencing a shortage, which could enhance educational quality in those areas.
Despite the government’s efforts to reform education in Madhya Pradesh, the persistent decline in enrolment in government schools remains a significant concern. If parents’ trust in these institutions does not improve, the challenges facing the education system may deepen further, necessitating urgent action to restore confidence and attract students back to government schools.