National School Enrolment Drops by 3.7 Million: A Call for Collective Action

by Ranjith Subeditor

A concerning trend has emerged in India’s education landscape, as the Ministry of Education’s Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) Plus reports a significant drop in school enrolment. In the academic year 2023-24, enrolment numbers fell by 3.7 million compared to the previous year, signalling critical challenges in ensuring universal access to education.

According to the UDISE+ data, school enrolment dropped from 251.7 million students in 2022-23 to 248 million in 2023-24. Boys’ enrolment decreased by 2.1 million, while girls’ enrolment fell by 1.6 million. These figures underscore a nationwide issue that transcends gender and social categories.

“The staggering drop in school enrolment by 37 lakh students is a wake-up call for society, emphasising that education is not just a personal responsibility, but a collective priority that requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders,” stated Dr. Maithili Tambe, CEO of The Academy School (TAS), Pune.

Disparities Across Demographics

The report highlights minority representation at approximately 20% of total enrolment, with Muslims constituting the largest share at 79.6%, followed by Christians (10%), Sikhs (6.9%), Buddhists (2.2%), Jains (1.3%), and Parsis (0.1%). Additionally, 26.9% of students were from the general category, 18% from Scheduled Castes, 9.9% from Scheduled Tribes, and 45.2% from Other Backward Classes.

Dr. Tambe further elaborated, “This decline can be attributed to various factors, including economic hardships, the aftermath of the pandemic, and a lack of awareness about the long-term benefits of education. When children are not enrolled in school, it creates a ripple effect, impacting not just individual futures but also the socio-economic fabric of communities.”

Dr. Maithili Tambe, CEO of The Academy School (TAS), Pune

Dr. Maithili Tambe, CEO of The Academy School (TAS), Pune.

Data-Driven Insights for Better Governance

A noteworthy advancement in the 2023-24 UDISE+ report is the voluntary collection of individualised student data, including Aadhaar numbers. Over 197 million students provided their Aadhaar details, enabling the establishment of unique student records. Officials emphasise that this approach ensures the elimination of ‘ghost students’ and improves resource allocation and governance. The data also facilitates precise tracking of student progression and dropout rates, enabling authorities to design targeted interventions to reintegrate dropouts into the education system.

These measures align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s objective of achieving universal education access by 2030. However, disparities in infrastructure usage across states indicate the need for tailored strategies. While Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan face underutilisation of schools, Telangana and Punjab exhibit optimal utilisation, with enrolment surpassing available infrastructure.

A Shared Responsibility

Dr. Tambe emphasised the importance of a unified approach to tackling these challenges. “Parents, educators, policymakers, and community leaders must work together to advocate for sustainable educational initiatives, provide resources for marginalised families, and foster environments that prioritise learning. Addressing barriers to enrolment and ensuring every child receives quality education is a shared responsibility that ultimately benefits society as a whole, enhancing skills, reducing poverty, and paving the way for a more informed and innovative future.”

Looking Ahead

The findings of the UDISE+ report underscore the urgency of data-driven policymaking to enhance enrolment, retention, and resource management. As India aspires to fulfil its educational goals, stakeholders must prioritise actionable strategies to bridge gaps, promote inclusivity, and ensure that every child’s right to education is upheld.

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