Enrolment in Govt schools drops; Centre asks states to probe, send remedial plans
A steep drop in government school enrolment at the primary and upper-primary levels across 23 States and UTs in 2024-25 has evoked concern within the Union government, prompting the Ministry of Education (MoE) to ask for probes and remedial action plans from the states concerned.
Minutes of meetings held by the MoE with 33 States and UTs in April to discuss performance, plan and budget under the PM-POSHAN scheme show that student enrolment dipped in 23 states, of which at least eight witnessed declines exceeding 100,000: led by Uttar Pradesh (21.83 lakh), Bihar (6.14 lakh), Rajasthan (5.63 lakh) and West Bengal (4.01 lakh).
PM-POSHAN — Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman, formerly the midday-meal scheme — covers students up to Class 8 in government and government-aided schools. Launched three decades ago, the scheme is a flagship nutritional support programme for children in pre-primary to Class 8 in government and government-aided schools.
Its cost is shared by the Centre and States on a 60:40 basis, with the Centre supplying foodgrains. Besides addressing child nutrition, a cooked meal in school is known to boost attendance, learning outcomes and attention spans.
Compared to 2023-24, Karnataka saw its enrolment fall by around 2 lakh; Assam by 1.68 lakh, Tamil Nadu by 1.65 lakh and Delhi by 1.05 lakh (see chart).
The School Education Secretary at the MoE expressed 'deep concern' over the trend and advised States to identify the reasons and submit reports by June 30, The Sunday Express has learned.
The drop first came to light late last year in the UDISE+ report for 2023-24, which pointed to a sharp fall of around 1.5 crore in overall school enrolment (government and private) compared to the 2018-19 to 2021-22 average. PM-POSHAN minutes show the trend continuing into 2024-25, triggering fresh concern in the government.
MoE officials, who did not wish to be named, pointed to two possible causes. The first is a change in data-collection methodology—from school-wise reporting (just total numbers) to student-wise reporting (name, address, parents' names and Aadhaar details). This ongoing 'data cleansing' may have removed 'ghost' entries, they said.
Second, officials noted that several States have suggested enrolment may be moving from government to private schools in the post-Covid years, reversing pandemic-era trends.
Alongside enrolment declines, the PM-POSHAN meetings flagged low scheme coverage. In Delhi, the number of students availing midday meals fell by 97,000 in 2024-25 versus 2023-24, with only 60 percent of Balvatika (pre-primary), 69 percent of primary and 62 percent of upper-primary students covered—below the national average. The MoE has asked Delhi to 'strive' to improve these figures.
In Uttar Pradesh, meal coverage dropped by 5.41 lakh students, by 3.27 lakh in Rajasthan and 8.04 lakh in West Bengal. Some States reported students bringing their own tiffin; all have been asked to check and ensure meal quality, officials added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
43 minutes ago
- India.com
India Eyes Deadliest Missile Yet: Meet R-37M That Can Obliterate Pakistan's AWACS, F-16s Before They Even Fire
New Delhi: In the escalating arms race post-Operation Sindoor, India may be acquiring a game-changing weapon that could rewrite South Asia's air warfare equation. It is Russian R-37M missile, a long-range air-to-air beast so fast and deadly that even the United States and China are known to shudder at its capabilities. Russia is said to have offered India to supply the R-37M and license its production on Indian soil. If the deal goes through, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will gain a powerful edge over adversaries such as China and Pakistan in high-stakes aerial confrontations. The R-37M is considered to be a nightmare for Pakistan's F-16s and AWACS. It is not only a missile but also a jet killer. Built to destroy enemy aircraft from beyond visual range (BVR), it can take down Pakistan's prized F-16s and AWACS surveillance aircraft before they even detect an Indian fighter jet. With speeds of up to Mach 6, six times the speed of sound, the R-37M can strike targets more than 300 kilometers away. Its mid-flight target switch capability and active radar guidance system make it almost impossible to dodge, even for highly maneuverable jets. 'It's not a missile but an airborne predator. It allows India to destroy enemy aircraft without ever entering their strike zone. That flips the entire doctrine of air combat,' said a senior defense analyst. At present, the IAF deploys R-77 missiles on its Su-30MKI jets. But the R-37M could replace the R-77 entirely, offering a dramatic leap in range, speed and precision. Designed originally to target U.S. AWACS and refueling aircraft, the R-37M's induction into India's arsenal would render Pakistan's air surveillance systems deeply vulnerable. Russia is reportedly willing to share production technology, allowing India to manufacture the missile domestically – a huge win for India's 'Make in India' defense ambitions. Built for the kill, let's know the R-37M by the numbers: speed – Up to Mach 6 (7,400 km/h); range – estimated 300-400 km; weight – 510 kg, length – over four metres; warhead – 60 kg high-explosive; designation – NATO calls it the AA-13 Axehead; and targets – fighter jets, AWACS, drones and tanker aircraft. Unlike older systems, the R-37M does not need visual confirmation. It can lock onto targets far outside the enemy's radar or weapon range, hitting them from the safety of stand-off distances. For Indian pilots, this means striking first from far and never being seen. R-37M Can Strike Across LoC The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is heavily reliant on U.S.-made F-16s, which are considered its crown jewel. But defense experts warn that with the R-37M in play, India could shoot them down from across the Line of Control (LoC) before they even know what hit them. 'The R-37M neutralises Pakistan's aerial advantage. If deployed, this missile makes any cross-border intrusion suicidal for enemy jets,' said a retired Air Marshal. As India's defense modernisation accelerates in the wake geopolitical tensions simmer, the R-37M could soon be a centerpiece of the country's air dominance strategy – one that might keep adversaries awake at night.
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
61 Covid cases reported in Rajkot since May 19
Rajkot: Rajkot has recorded 61 Covid-19 cases since May 19, including nine fresh cases reported on June 3, according to the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC). Of these, 18 patients have recovered while 43 remain under treatment — all in home isolation with stable health conditions. Most of the infected people — aged between 26 and 57 years — had received at least two doses of the vaccine and had no recent travel history, RMC officials said. The civic body stated that the current cases in Gujarat are primarily Omicron subvariants and the XFG recombinant strain, which typically cause mild symptoms such as fever, sneezing, and cold. Patients have been advised to seek medical help if they develop breathing issues or chest pain. Those with comorbidities have been urged to wear masks and avoid crowded places. "The rise in Covid cases every six to eight months is a trend we are observing. There's no cause for panic — only precautions are necessary," a health officer said.
Economic Times
an hour ago
- Economic Times
Health experts sound alarm over terrifying new Covid variant found in US. It's more dangerous than ever
The new Covid-19 mutation from China is "more transmissible," health experts have warned, as it makes its way into the United States A new, highly contagious strain of Covid-19 that has driven a wave of hospitalisations across China has now surfaced in the United States and has sparked concerns among federal health officials. The variant, identified as NB.1.81, was first detected in the United States between late March and early April among international travelers arriving at airports in California, Washington State, Virginia, and New York. Since then, additional cases have been reported in Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The new Covid-19 mutation from China is "more transmissible," health experts have warned, as it makes its way into the United States. The development comes when US Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially removed the Covid vaccine recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women. ALSO READ: Biden suffers big jolt as his longtime aide claims she's no longer a Democrat and makes shocking departureAccording to the Irish Star, the California Department of Public Health is sounding the alarm over the presence of this highly contagious variant. "In other words, it is more transmissible," stated Verma. Meanwhile, China has claimed that Covid-19 did not emerge in Wuhan and originated in the officials have noted that this particular strain first emerged in March and has seen a sharp increase since early May, according to The Express. In California, its prevalence has jumped from just 2% in April to 19%, based on official variant is considered more dangerous than earlier ones, with the potential to drive up infection rates and READ: 'Wicked: For Good' trailer is coming to select theaters in US. Check time and other details World Health Organization data shows that the strain now makes up over half of global cases, prompting California officials to push for the reinstatement of mask the California Department of Public Health maintains that 'currently available vaccines are expected to remain effective.' Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing criticism for attempting to restrict vaccine access for healthy children and pregnant is witnessing a surge in respiratory illnesses, with figures doubling from 3.3 to 6.3 percent, and emergency room patients testing positive for COVID have seen a significant Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not yet begun tracking the emerging NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 variant. Meanwhile, LP.8.1 remains the dominant strain in the United States, accounting for approximately 73% of current cases. Its symptoms closely mirror those of earlier variants, including fever, cough, chills, nausea, shortness of breath, congestion, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. ALSO READ: Trump's sweeping bill to cut taxes by $3.75 trillion but will burden millions of Americans. Check details The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified NB.1.8.1 as a 'variant under monitoring' due to its mutations and international spread. Although it has been identified in 22 countries, no travel restrictions have been imposed. The WHO maintains that existing COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective in preventing both symptomatic and severe illness caused by this variant, and currently assesses the global risk as low.
