Students moving away from govt schools, disturbing: Centre to states

The Union Ministry has raised concerns over a noticeable decline in student enrolments in government and aided schools in states like Kerala and Maharashtra. This trend, observed between the academic years 2018-19 and 2023-24, has prompted the Centre to urge state governments to investigate the underlying causes. The ministry highlighted the potential implications for educational equity and access, as government schools play a crucial role in providing education to economically disadvantaged students. While the exact reasons for this shift remain unclear, several factors could be contributing to the phenomenon. These might include parents opting for private institutions due to perceived better quality education or infrastructure, or demographic changes affecting school-age populations. The ministry emphasized the need for states to assess these dynamics carefully and to develop strategies to enhance the appeal and effectiveness of government schools. In response, educational stakeholders in Kerala and Maharashtra are being called to collaborate with state authorities to address this issue. Initiatives might involve improving school facilities, teacher training, and curriculum development to ensure government schools remain competitive. The Centre's alert serves as a call to action, encouraging a collective effort to safeguard the foundational role of public education in fostering equitable learning opportunities across India.

— Authored by Next24 Live