IMPHAL, Feb 6: Data from the Ministry of Education has revealed that Meghalaya and Manipur are the only states in the Northeast to show an increase in the number of government schools, while Assam leads the region in private school growth.
The revelation came during a parliamentary question raised by Rachna Banerjee regarding the closure or merger of schools in the country over the past decade (2013-14 to 2023-24). In response, Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhury, explained that the opening, closing, and rationalization of schools are under the jurisdiction of the respective State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. He also emphasized the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which mandates free and compulsory education within neighborhood limits and ensures the availability of elementary schools.
The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) has developed the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) system to record data on school education indicators provided by States and UTs.
Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, Meghalaya maintained a near-constant number of government schools, showing a modest increase from 7,763 to 7,779 schools. This stability contrasts with states like Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, which saw significant declines. Assam’s government schools dropped from 52,927 to 45,008, a decline of nearly 8,900 schools. Arunachal Pradesh experienced a similar decrease, falling from 3,408 to 2,847 schools.
While Meghalaya showed a slight increase, Manipur recorded a rise in government schools from 2,372 to 2,934 schools during the same period.
Private education trends were more diverse. Assam saw a notable rise in private schools, growing from 3,554 to 5,725 schools, reflecting a growing demand for alternative educational options. On the other hand, Meghalaya experienced a decline in private schools, with numbers falling from 2,274 to 2,152 schools. Arunachal Pradesh, however, saw consistent growth, adding 82 private schools over the decade.
The Minister also mentioned that the Central Government provides assistance to States and UTs through the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Samagra Shiksha, which supports various activities to reduce dropout rates in government schools. This includes the opening and strengthening of new schools up to the senior secondary level, infrastructure improvement, the establishment and running of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), and the setting up of residential schools and hostels, such as the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Avasiya Vidyalayas. Other initiatives include offering vocational education, ICT facilities, free textbooks, uniforms, transport allowances, and support for children with special needs.
