District collectors have been directed to analyse reasons for enrolment drop and re-enroll unmapped students
Team Clarion
BHOPAL – A significant decline in student enrolment from Class I to VIII in government schools across Madhya Pradesh has been noticed in the current academic year, prompting concern from the Madhya Pradesh government. The School Education Department has instructed all district collectors to investigate the reasons behind this decrease and implement corrective measures. Despite several programmes aimed at increasing student enrolment, the drop has raised concerns about the state’s education system.
According to the State Education Department, multiple factors may be contributing to this enrolment decline. A key issue identified is the unmapping of students — students who were enrolled in schools in previous years but are currently not registered with any school for the ongoing session. This trend has alarmed authorities, prompting a directive to analyse the situation district by district.
The decline in enrolment is closely tied to the dropbox system, an online platform where information about unmapped students is stored. These are students who were part of the education system in previous years but have not been enrolled in any institution for the current academic year. Teachers, when unable to track a student’s progress, sometimes place them in the dropbox without thorough investigation, creating confusion and uncertainty about the future of these students.
Being in the dropbox not only disconnects students from education but also prevents them from accessing important state government schemes such as free textbooks, uniforms, and scholarships. The government has acknowledged that a large number of students have been added to the dropbox this year, exacerbating the enrolment issue.
To address this concern, the State Education Department has written to district collectors, urging them to analyse the decline in enrolment and take prompt action to ensure students are re-enrolled in schools. A comprehensive district-wise and student-wise review has been ordered, with the mapping process to be completed by October 31. Weekly progress reports will be required to monitor improvements.
The government has emphasised the importance of tracking students in the dropbox and ensuring their re-enrolment. This would allow these students to benefit from educational schemes and re-engage with the education system. Block-level officials and Jan Shiksha Kendras have also been tasked with identifying unmapped students and ensuring their enrolment.
The declining enrolment numbers, if not addressed swiftly, could worsen the state’s primary education landscape. The State Education Department is working towards resolving the issue by ensuring children are reconnected with education.
As the government seeks to tackle the issue of unmapped students, ensuring the timely re-enrolment of these children will be crucial for the state’s educational progress.
