Sharp Decline in Government School Enrolment Across 23 Indian States
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Sharp decline in government school enrolment across 23 Indian states/UTs. |
| Time Period | 2024-25 |
| Ministry Involved | Ministry of Education (MoE) |
| Key States Affected | Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Karnataka, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Delhi |
| Major Declines | Uttar Pradesh: -21.83 lakh, Bihar: -6.14 lakh, Rajasthan: -5.63 lakh, West Bengal: -4.01 lakh, Karnataka: -2 lakh, Assam: -1.68 lakh, Tamil Nadu: -1.65 lakh, Delhi: -1.05 lakh |
| Probable Reasons | Data Cleansing: Transition to Aadhaar-based enrolment, Shift to Private Schools: Post-Covid migration |
| Impact on PM-POSHAN Scheme | Drop in midday meal beneficiaries: Delhi: -97,000, UP: -5.41 lakh, Rajasthan: -3.27 lakh, West Bengal: -8.04 lakh |
| About PM-POSHAN | Formerly Midday Meal Scheme, Launched: 1995, Coverage: Pre-primary to Class 8, Funding: 60:40 (Centre:State) |
| Significance | Concerns over public education credibility, nutritional outreach, and data management. |