The data paints a dismal picture of educational access across several states. Jharkhand has over 65,000 children not attending school, while Assam records 64,000
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – A recent revelation has brought to light a glaring failure of the Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh. The state, often embroiled in debates over religious priorities, is reported to have nearly 8 lakh children out of school, the highest among all states in the country.
Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, disclosed these figures in Parliament in response to a query by Andhra Pradesh MP Matukumeli Shri Bharat. According to the official data, over 11.7 lakh children across India remain out of school in the current academic year, with Uttar Pradesh leading this troubling statistic.
“Education is the foundation of any progressive society. These figures should serve as a wake-up call for all state governments, especially Uttar Pradesh,” remarked MP Shri Bharat during the parliamentary session.
The data paints a dismal picture of educational access across several states. Following Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand has over 65,000 children not attending school, while Assam records 64,000. Even Gujarat, often touted as an economic powerhouse, has over 54,500 children out of school.
States like Madhya Pradesh and Haryana also report concerning numbers, with approximately 30,000 to 40,000 children missing from classrooms. In Bihar, historically ranked low in education metrics, the number stands at 25,000 — significantly lower than Uttar Pradesh’s staggering figures.
“These numbers are not just statistics; they represent dreams deferred and futures compromised,” said an education activist in New Delhi, urging state governments to prioritise the issue.
Even Delhi, often highlighted for its education model, has not been spared. The report reveals that around 18,000 children in the national capital are not attending school, raising questions about the inclusivity of its much-lauded “educational revolution.”
“We must ensure no child is left behind, regardless of where they live,” said a Delhi-based education expert, emphasising the need for collaborative efforts between central and state governments.
The staggering numbers of out-of-school children underscore the need for urgent interventions, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, which accounts for nearly 67% of the total. Experts argue that tackling this issue requires a comprehensive approach to addressing infrastructure gaps, economic barriers, and social challenges.
“The government must focus on policies that empower the marginalised instead of diverting attention with divisive narratives,” stated an education policy analyst.
This report serves as a stark reminder that access to education remains an elusive goal for many, demanding immediate action to bridge the gaps and secure a brighter future for India’s children.
