A recent report of the Ministry of Education has expressed serious concern over the changing trend of schooling in the country. According to the report, enrollment has been recorded in government schools in many states, while the number of students in private schools is increasing continuously. Especially in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Tamil Nadu, this trend is clearly seen.
For example, Andhra Pradesh has a total of 61,373 schools, of which 45,000 are government i.e. about 73%. But the nomination figures are surprised – only 46% of students study in government schools, while private schools have more than 52% enrollment. Similarly, 70% of the schools in Telangana are government, but only 38.11% students study and 60.75% students are going to private schools. This difference shows that the trust of the general public is being removed from government schools.
The Ministry of Education has directed the states to analyze the causes of this decline and take concrete steps to stop it. The ministry has also clarified that this trend can also affect programs like PM-nutrition (mid-meal) scheme, as their benefit is effective only when the number of students in government schools is sufficient.
Experts believe that there can be many reasons behind this trend-such as unavailability of teachers in government schools, lack of infrastructure, decline in quality of education and increasing expectations of parents. Private schools have won the trust of parents by redeeming factors like smart class, English medium and better discipline.
The challenge before the government is now to make government schools attractive and quality again. For this, regular recruitment, training, improvement in infrastructure and monitoring system of teachers is necessary to strengthen.
