Expansion of scholarships and grants exclusively for Muslim students emerges as a proactive step toward fostering equal educational opportunities.
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — Muslim students are persistently facing several challenges in gaining access to higher education, a recent report by researcher Arun C. Mehta titled ‘The State of Muslim Education in India: A Data-Driven Report’ has said.
Drawing on the Unified District Information on School Education (UDISE+) and All-India Survey on Higher Education data, the report underscores disparity in the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for Muslim students. Though the report acknowledges an improvement in the GER for Muslim students, it claims that the numbers remain below the national average.
From 8.24% in 2016-17 to 8.91% in 2020-21, the GER for Muslim students displayed an upward trajectory, peaking at 9.79% in 2019-20 before experiencing a subsequent decline. The report underscores the urgency of bridging this gap to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities for Muslim students.
Education reforms initiated by the Centre have led to a 26.5% increase in student enrollment nationwide, with significant strides observed among various demographics. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in a recent address to the Rajya Sabha, revealed that since 2014, enrollment of girls has surged by 31%, while enrollment of Scheduled Caste (SC) girls witnessed an impressive 50% uptick.
Enrollment rate among Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students reached 44% and 65%, respectively. Tribal girl students, in particular, have experienced an astonishing 80% increase in enrollment. Pradhan attributed this increase to the robust implementation of the National Education Policy, marking an overall rise of 25-26% in student participation in schools and higher education.
In the academic year 2021-22 alone, there was a 26.5% increase in enrollment compared to 2014-15, indicating a burgeoning interest in education among students. Muslim girls, in particular, recorded a notable 45% increase in enrollment, showcasing the positive impact of the National Education Policy on diverse student groups.
As to the challenges faced by Muslim students, the report proposes targeted interventions. Financial support initiatives aim to alleviate economic constraints faced by financially disadvantaged Muslim students. The expansion of scholarships and grants exclusively for Muslim students emerges as a proactive step toward fostering equal educational opportunities. Furthermore, the report emphasises the need to enhance access to quality education in rural and underserved areas.
These measures, if implemented earnestly, hold the potential to break down barriers hindering Muslim students’ enrollment in higher education. The report calls for a collective effort to create an inclusive educational landscape, ensuring that all students, irrespective of their background, have equal access to educational opportunities. — IANS
