Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) Report

Syllabus: GS2/Education

Context

• As per the Ministry of Education (MoE) Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) report, the total enrolment of students has dropped by over a crore in 2023-24 as compared to the previous years. 

About

• The Department of School Education & Literacy (DOSEL) has developed the “Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+)” from the reference year 2018-19. 
• It facilitates online uploading of data at school level with subsequent data verification at the Block, District and State level.
  • The data serves as a crucial tool for monitoring and evaluating the quality of education from pre-primary to higher secondary levels. 

Major Highlights

• Decrease in No. in Enrolment: A total of 24.8 crore students enrolled in the academic year 2023-24.
  • In 2022-23, there was a drop of 6% as compared to 2018-19.

• The drop in 2023-24 has been seen in the primary (Classes 1 to 5), upper primary (Classes 6 to 8), and secondary (Classes 9 and 10) levels.
  • In contrast, the pre-primary and higher secondary (Classes 11 and 12) levels have seen an increase in enrolment in 2023-24.
• Gender Wise Drop in Enrolment: In 2023-24, there was a decrease of 4.87% in enrolment of boys as compared to 2018-19.
  • There was a decrease of 4.48% for the enrolment of girls in the same period.
• Statewise Drop: States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra saw among the highest drop in enrolments. 
• Infrastructure Gaps: Only 57.2% of schools have functional computers, 53.9% have internet, and 52.3% are equipped with ramps, underscoring significant gaps in accessibility and tech readiness. 

Challenges Faced by the Education System in India

• Inequality in Access: There is a significant disparity in access to quality education between urban and rural areas, and among different socioeconomic groups.
• Quality of Education: While enrollment rates are high, the quality of education remains a concern due to outdated teaching methods, lack of skilled teachers, and inadequate infrastructure.
• High Dropout Rates: Many students, particularly at the secondary level, drop out due to factors such as financial constraints, early marriage, or a lack of interest.
• Infrastructure Deficiencies: Many schools, especially in rural areas, lack basic infrastructure such as classrooms, toilets, and electricity, limiting the learning environment.
• Focus on Rote Learning: The education system often emphasizes rote memorization over critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
• Inadequate Funding: Public spending on education is often insufficient, leading to limited resources for schools, teachers, and educational reforms.
• Overburdened Curriculum: The curriculum is often too rigid and overburdened with content, leaving little room for practical skills and extracurricular activities.
• Access to Higher Education: Although the number of universities and colleges has grown, the demand for quality higher education still exceeds the supply, leading to intense competition.
• Technological Integration: While digital learning is gaining traction, there is still limited access to technology in many rural and remote areas, widening the digital divide.

Government Initiatives

• Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009: Guarantees free and compulsory education for children in the 6-14 age group, focusing on quality education and no discrimination.
• Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Provides free meals to students in government schools to encourage school attendance, improve nutrition, and reduce dropout rates.
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Focuses on financial inclusion, enabling students from low-income families to access government education benefits and scholarships.
• National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education: Aims to encourage girls from rural areas to continue education by providing financial incentives.
• Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan: Improves sanitation facilities in schools, ensuring clean drinking water, toilets, and better hygiene to support girls’ education.
• Digital India Programme: Promotes the integration of technology in education by providing access to digital learning resources and bridging the digital divide.
• Scholarships and Financial Aid: The government offers various scholarships and financial assistance programs for students from economically weaker sections, such as the Post-Matric and Pre-Matric scholarships.
• New Education Policy 2020: 
  • Emphasis on early childhood care and education (ECCE), particularly for children up to 6 years.
  • Encourages multi-disciplinary learning at the school and higher education levels.
  • Introduction of a 5+3+3+4 school structure (5 years of foundation, 3 years of preparatory, 3 years of middle, and 4 years of secondary education).
  • Focus on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving rather than rote learning.

Source: TH