Student enrollment in J&K schools declines by 61000 in a year: UDISE

Srinagar, July 3: The analysis of the enrolment for the academic year 2023-24 and 2022-23 as per the UDISE data of government schools has shown a decline in the enrollment of students by 61,451 in one year.

The decline in enrollment has been observed while comparing the UDISE data for 2022-23 and 2023-24.

As per the official document, the decline in the enrolment of the students has been identified in 554 schools of J&K in a year.

In the wake of the disturbing revelation, the Directorate of Samagra Shiksha J&K has asked all the Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to validate the data and ascertain the reasons for the decline in enrollment in schools.

“Several schools are showing a significant decline. 554 schools have been identified which are showing 61,451 decrease in enrolment,” reads an official communication addressed to all the CEOs.

The Directorate of Samagra Shiksha has attached the list of such schools with the official communication where enrolments have exhibited a decline of more than 50 children in each school as compared to the previous year.

“You are requested to review and validate the provided details and communicate any insights or reasons elucidating the observed decline in enrollment,” the official document reads.

The CEOs have been asked to submit the report on July 3, 2024.

“The report should be authenticated by the concerned Chief Education Officer so that the J&K-level report can be finalised at an early date. Your immediate attention to this matter within a given time frame is of paramount importance,” the document reads.

The decline in enrollment has been observed despite the annual enrollment drives held by the School Education Department (SED) over the past few years.

The department claimed to have registered over one lakh new admissions in schools in different classes.

Amid the claims of an increase in student enrollment during the previous years, the analysis of the UDISE data has shown a decline in student enrollment by over 61000 in one year.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Projector Director Samagra Shiksha J&K, Rakesh Magotra said the UDISE data figures would be verified by the concerned CEOs.