Public vs. Private: Understanding the Shifting Landscape of Indian Education  (2024)

Is India moving towards privatisation of school education?: A Study based on UDISE-plus 2019-20 data

Is the Decline in Government Schools in India A cause for concern? Analysis based on UDISE Data  (2024)

Introduction

Education is a fundamental right and a cornerstone for the development of any nation. In India, government schools play a pivotal role in providing education to a large portion of the population, especially among marginalized communities such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Muslims. Despite the increasing presence of private schools, government institutions remain the primary source of education for many families, particularly in rural areas where access to quality education is limited.

This article critically analyses the enrolment data from government schools across India from 2019-20 to 2021-22, highlighting the importance of these institutions, the challenges they face, and the implications of the growing trend towards private schooling. The main objective of the present article is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of government schools in India, emphasizing the need for continued support and investment in these vital educational institutions. Further, the analysis critically examines the implications of the trends, especially for marginalized communities, such as the Scheduled Castes (SC), Schedules Tribes (ST), and minority communities, and highlights the growing presence of private schools.

Government Schools: A Lifeline for Marginalized Communities

Government schools serve as a crucial educational resource for children from SC, ST, and Muslim communities, particularly in rural regions. These schools often represent the only viable option for parents seeking education for their children, as private institutions may be financially inaccessible.

According to the latest UDISE data, India’s total number of government schools has fluctuated, with a notable decline in certain states. This reduction can have dire consequences for enrolment rates, especially among vulnerable populations. Data on enrolment from pre-primary to secondary and Higher secondary level was reported in the Parliament on 4th December 2023, and the same has been analysed in the present article, which is based on the UDISE data from 2019-20 to 21021-22. In addition, the number of schools obtained from the UDISE sources during the same period has also been analysed.

First, we will take a look at the trends in government schools.

Total Number of Schools Covered under UDISEPlus: 2017-18 to 2021-22

 

Number of Schools

%age to Total Schools
Year Total Number of Schools Government/

Department of Education

Private Unaided Government/ Department of Education Schools

Private Unaided Schools

2017-18 1558903 1094543 322201 70.21 29.44
2018-19 1551000 1083747 326228 69.87 30.1
2019-20 1507708 1032570 337499 68.49 32.69
2020-21 1509136 1032149 343314 68.39 33.26
2021-22 1489115 1022386 335844 68.66 32.85
Source: UDISE/UDISEPlus, various years.

Declining Government Schools in India: An Analysis,  2017-18 to 2021-22

The recent trends in India’s school education landscape reveal a concerning shift from public to private education, potentially deepening educational inequities for marginalized communities. An analysis of UDISE Plus data from 2017-18 to 2021-22 presents compelling evidence of systematic changes in school ownership patterns that warrant urgent policy attention.

The data demonstrates a significant transformation in India’s school education structure over the five years. The total number of schools declined from 1,558,903 in 2017-18 to 1,489,115 in 2021-22, marking a 4.5% reduction. However, the disaggregated data reveals a more nuanced and concerning picture. The most striking finding is the substantial decline in government schools. Between 2017-18 and 2021-22:

  • Government schools decreased by 72,157 (from 1,094,543 to 1,022,386)
  • The share of government schools fell from 70.21% to 68.66%
  • This represents a 6.6% reduction in public education infrastructure.

In contrast, private unaided schools have shown consistent growth:

  • Increased by 13,643 schools (from 322,201 to 335,844)
  • Market share grew from 29.44% to 32.85%
  • Represents a 4.2% expansion in private education infrastructure

The decline in government schools and the growth of private, unaided schools has not been uniform across all states. Some notable state-level trends include:

  • Madhya Pradesh:
    • Government schools: Declined by over 9,000 schools (approximately 5.5% decrease)
    • Private unaided schools: Increased by about 1,500 schools (3.8% growth)
  • Uttar Pradesh:
    • Government schools: Decreased by approximately 7,500 schools (3.9% decline)
    • Private unaided schools: Grew by nearly 2,000 schools (2.5% increase)
  • Rajasthan:
    • Government schools: Reduced by about 5,000 schools (6.2% decrease)
    • Private unaided schools: Increased by around 800 schools (2.7% growth)
  • Maharashtra:
    • Government schools: Declined by around 3,500 schools (4.1% decrease)
    • Private unaided schools: Grew by approximately 1,200 schools (3.2% increase)
  • Odisha:
    • Government schools: Saw a closure of nearly 3,000 schools (5.8% decline)
    • Private unaided schools: Increased by about 300 schools (5.5% growth)

It’s important to note that while some states showed significant declines in government schools, others maintained relatively stable numbers or even saw slight increases during this period.

The declining trend in government schools and private sector expansion represents a significant challenge to educational equity in India. The potential impact on marginalized communities, particularly SC, ST, and Muslim children, requires immediate policy attention and intervention. Without corrective measures, this trend risks exacerbating existing educational disparities and undermining the constitutional commitment to inclusive education.

The way forward necessitates a balanced approach that strengthens public education while ensuring private sector growth doesn’t compromise educational access for vulnerable communities. This requires a coordinated effort from policymakers, educators, and civil society to preserve and enhance the role of government schools as essential institutions for social mobility and educational equity.

Several factors may have contributed to the declining number of government schools and the growth of private unaided schools:

  • School Mergers: Many states have implemented policies to merge smaller government schools with low enrollment into larger, more resource-efficient institutions.
  • Shift to Private Education: There has been a growing preference for private schools among parents, leading to decreased enrollment in government schools and increased demand for private education.
  • Urbanization: Rural-to-urban migration has led to the closure of some rural government schools due to insufficient student populations while increasing the demand for private schools in urban areas.
  • COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic forced the temporary closure of many schools, with some government schools not reopening while private schools adapted more quickly to online and hybrid learning models.
  • Resource Allocation: Some states have consolidated resources by closing underperforming or under-enrolled government schools.
  • Perceived Quality: Many parents perceive private schools as offering higher education, leading to increased enrollment in these institutions.
  • Economic Factors: As India’s middle class grows, more families can afford private education, driving the expansion of private unaided schools.

The decline in government schools and the simultaneous growth of private unaided schools in India from 2017-18 to 2021-22 represents a significant shift in the country’s educational landscape. While this trend may lead to more diverse educational options and potentially improved resource allocation in some cases, it also raises concerns about accessibility to education, particularly for economically disadvantaged students.

As India continues to evolve its education system, policymakers must balance the growth of private education with ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students; this may involve improving the quality of government schools, regulating private institutions, and implementing policies that bridge the gap between public and private education sectors.

Enrolment under Government Management during 2019-20 to 2021-22

The decline in the number of government schools and significant rise in the Private Unaided schools must also be reflected in the enrolment during the period 2019-20 to 2021-22, for which in the present section, we take a look at the enrolment in pre-primary to higher secondary levels of education was reported in the Parliament on 4th December 2023.

 Share of Enrolment by Management: All India, 2017-18 to 2021-22

School Management Share of Enrolment (Grades I to XII) by Management
2017-18 2019-20 2020-21

2021-22

Government 52.5 51.06 52.18 54.94
Private Aided Management 11.15 10.76 10.42 10.42
Other Management

 

Private Unaided Management

3.15

 

 

33.19

2.75

 

 

35.43

2.7

 

 

34.71

2.4

 

 

32.24

Total  Enrolment: Grades I to XII 250989193 250971683 253804461 255740623
           Source: UDISE & UDISE+, different years.

From 2019-20 to 2021-22, the total enrolment in government schools increased from 130.93 million to 143.24 million, indicating a positive trend in accessibility. However, this growth must be contextualized against rising private school enrolment, which fell from 98.21 million in 2019-20 to 88.27 million in 2021-22; this shift raises concerns about educational equity, particularly for disadvantaged groups.

A closer examination at the state level reveals disparities:

  • Uttar Pradesh: Government school enrollment rose from 16.86 million to 19.06 million, while private school enrollment decreased significantly from 07 million to 21.09 million.
  • Bihar: Government school enrolment increased from 58 million to 21.99 million, contrasting with a decline in private school enrolment from 3.35 million to 3.31 million.
  • Rajasthan: Notably, government school enrolment surged from 52 million to 9.91 million, while private enrolment dropped sharply from 9.24 million to 7.58 million.

Conversely, states like Madhya Pradesh and Haryana experienced reductions in government school numbers and enrolments, raising alarms about educational access in these regions. States like Karnataka, where government school enrolments increased but private school numbers fell, contrast sharply with states like Delhi, where both sectors experienced declines in enrollment. Such variations highlight the need for targeted policies that address specific regional challenges.

Concluding Observations

The data underscores the vital role of government schools in India’s educational landscape, particularly for marginalized communities. While there is an overall increase in government school enrollment nationally, disparities persist at the state level and require urgent attention. The growing trend of private schooling poses challenges that could deepen educational inequities if not addressed through inclusive policies.

The increasing trend towards private schooling poses a significant challenge to government schools. Data indicates that private school enrolment has grown, with many parents opting for these institutions due to perceived better quality of education. For instance, in states like Haryana and Punjab, private school enrolment has surged, leading to a decline in government school attendance. This shift can exacerbate educational inequalities, as private schools often cater to families who can afford the fees, leaving behind those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

In rural areas, where government schools are often the only option, the decline in these institutions can have severe implications. Many families rely on government schools for their children’s education, and any reduction in these schools may lead to increased dropout rates and a lack of educational opportunities. The growing trend of private schooling may further marginalize these communities, as they may not have the financial means to access quality education.

In light of these findings, policymakers must strengthen government schooling infrastructure and ensure equitable access to quality education for all children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds

References

  1. Ministry of Education, Government of India. (2023). Enrolment in Government Schools (Pre-primary to Higher Secondary) for the Last Three Years State-wise. Retrieved from Ministry of Education
  2. National Statistical Office. (2021). Education in India: A Statistical Profile. Retrieved from NSO
  3. Pratham Education Foundation. (2022). Annual Status of Education Report (ASER). Retrieved from ASER
  4. UNICEF India. (2023). Education in India: Challenges and Opportunities. Retrieved from UNICEF

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main reasons for reducing government schools and enrolment in these schools?

The reduction in government schools and enrolment in these institutions across India can be attributed to several interrelated factors.

  1. Increased Preference for Private Education
  • Quality Perception: Many parents perceive private schools as offering better education than government schools. This perception has led to a shift in enrolment from government to private institutions, particularly in urban areas. The enrolment in private schools decreased from 21 million in 2019-20 to 88.27 million in 2021-22, indicating a significant shift as families opt for perceived better educational opportunities.
  • Infrastructure and Facilities: Private schools often provide superior infrastructure, extracurricular activities, and teaching resources, making them more attractive to parents seeking comprehensive education for their children.
  1. Policy and Administrative Changes
  • School Consolidation: In some states, government policies have led to the consolidation of schools due to low enrolments or budget constraints; this has resulted in the closure of smaller government schools, disproportionately affecting rural areas with limited access.
  • Focus on Quality over Quantity: Recent educational reforms have emphasized improving the quality of existing government schools rather than expanding the number of schools. This focus may inadvertently lead to a reduction in the overall number of government institutions.
  1. Economic Factors
  • Funding Constraints: Government budgets for education have faced cuts or stagnation, impacting the ability to maintain or expand school infrastructure. Limited financial resources can lead to closures or reduced services in government schools.
  • Cost of Education: While government schools are free, associated costs (like uniforms, books, and transportation) can deter enrolment, especially among economically disadvantaged families who might still prefer private options if they perceive them as offering better value.
  1. Demographic Changes
  • Population Shifts: Urban migration has led to population increases in cities while rural areas see declines. This demographic shift affects school enrolment patterns, with urban areas experiencing an influx of private school enrolments at the expense of government schools.
  • Declining Birth Rates: In some regions, declining birth rates may lead to fewer children needing schooling, prompting governments to close under-enrolled schools.
  1. Social Factors
  • Cultural Attitudes: In specific communities, there may be a cultural preference for private schooling due to the social status associated with such institutions. This trend can marginalize government schools further and reduce their enrolments.
  • Marginalization of Government Schools: The ongoing narrative that government schools are inferior can perpetuate a cycle where parents avoid enrolling their children in these institutions.

What is the importance of government schools in rural areas and also for marginalized children?

Government schools play a pivotal role in the educational landscape of India, particularly in rural areas and for marginalized communities. Here are the main reasons:

  1. Accessibility
  • Geographical Reach: Government schools are often the only educational institutions available in remote and rural areas. They provide essential access to education for children who may not have the means to travel long distances to private schools.
  • Affordability: These schools offer free education, which is crucial for low-income families who cannot afford private school fees; this makes education accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status.
  1. Catering to Marginalized Communities
  • Equity in Education: Government schools serve as a critical platform for children from SC, ST, and minority communities, ensuring that they receive an education that might otherwise be inaccessible; this is particularly important in rural areas where social and economic barriers can limit educational opportunities.
  • Inclusive Environment: These institutions often promote inclusivity by providing a diverse environment where children from different backgrounds can learn together, fostering social cohesion.
  1. Quality of Education
  • Standardized Curriculum: Government schools follow a standardized curriculum set by the state, ensuring that all students receive a similar quality of education; this is particularly important for marginalized communities that may lack access to quality educational resources.
  • Teacher Training and Support: Many government schools have trained teachers equipped to handle diverse classroom settings, which is vital for addressing the unique needs of marginalized students.

What efforts are made in Samagra Shiksha to improve the quality of education?

The Samagra Shiksha Scheme is a comprehensive program aimed at improving the quality of education in government schools across India. Launched in 2018, it integrates various schemes and focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education from pre-primary to higher secondary levels. This initiative has significantly enhanced the educational landscape, particularly for marginalized communities.

  1. Infrastructure Development
  • School Facilities: SSA emphasizes upgrading school infrastructure, including classrooms, sanitation facilities, and access to clean drinking water; this is crucial for creating a conducive learning environment, especially in rural areas where many government schools lack basic amenities.
  • Digital Learning: The program promotes using digital tools & resources to enhance teaching and learning processes; this includes providing intelligent classrooms and digital content to improve student engagement.
  1. Teacher Training and Development
  • Capacity Building: SSA focuses on continuous professional development for teachers through training programs that equip them with modern pedagogical skills and methodologies; this is essential for improving the quality of education delivered in government schools.
  • Incentives for Performance: The initiative also encourages performance-based incentives for teachers to motivate them to deliver better educational outcomes.
  1. Inclusive Education
  • Special Needs Education: SSA aims to ensure that children with disabilities receive appropriate support and education within mainstream schools; this includes training teachers to handle diverse learning needs effectively.
  • Focus on Marginalized Groups: The program explicitly targets SC, ST, and minority communities by implementing scholarships, free textbooks, and uniforms to promote higher enrolment rates among these groups.
  1. Community Participation
  • School Management Committees (SMCs): SSA encourages the formation of SMCs that include parents, teachers, and community members to foster local ownership of schools. This participatory approach helps in addressing local educational challenges effectively.

One may observe that the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan represents a significant effort by the Indian government to enhance the quality of education in government schools, particularly for marginalized communities. However, recent trends towards the closure and merging of schools pose serious challenges that need urgent attention. Ensuring the sustainability of government schools is crucial for maintaining educational equity and access for all children, especially those in rural areas who depend on these institutions for their education.

What are the recent trends in the closure and merging of government schools?

Recent trends in the closure and merging of government schools in India have raised significant concerns regarding educational access and equity. An analysis of the data reveals several vital patterns and implications.

Recent Trends in Closure and Merging of Government Schools

  1. Increased School Closures
  • Many states have initiated policies to consolidate under-enrolled government schools to optimize resources; this often results in the closure of smaller schools, particularly in rural areas where student populations may not justify their continued operation.
  • For instance, states like Rajasthanhave substantially reduced government school enrollment, leading to closures as authorities respond to budget constraints and low attendance rates.
  1. Merging of Schools
  • The merging of nearby government schools is a common practice to improve efficiency. While this may help streamline resources, it often forces students to travel greater distances, which can be particularly challenging for families in rural settings.
  • The data indicates that states with significant enrolment drops, such as Madhya Pradeshand Uttar Pradesh, are more prone to implementing such measures, potentially exacerbating access issues for marginalized communities.
  1. Impact on Enrolment Figures
  • The trend of school closures and mergers correlates with declining enrolment figures in government schools. For example, the total enrolment in government schools increased from 93 millionin 2019-20 to 143.24 million in 2021-22; however, specific states have reported significant declines reflecting school closures’ impact.
  • In Rajasthan, private school enrolments dropped from 24 millionto 7.58 million, suggesting a shift that could further limit options for families who rely on government schools.
  1. Socio-Economic Implications
  • The closure and merging of government schools disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and economically disadvantaged groups. These populations often depend on local government schools for education access.
  • Increased travel distances due to school mergers can lead to higher dropout rates among these vulnerable groups, as families may prioritize immediate economic needs over education.

What are the main reasons behind the merging and closing of government schools?

Main Reasons for Merging of Government Schools

  1. Low Enrolment Numbers
  • Under-Enrollment: Many government schools, particularly in rural and remote areas, face low student enrolment. When the number of students falls below a certain threshold, authorities often consider merging these schools with nearby institutions to optimize resources and maintain operational efficiency.
  1. Cost-Cutting Measures
  • Budget Constraints: Financial limitations at both state and central levels have led to a focus on reducing expenditures. Merging schools can be seen as a strategy to cut costs associated with maintaining multiple facilities, especially when resources are limited.
  1. Resource Optimization
  • Efficient Use of Infrastructure: By consolidating schools, governments aim to use existing infrastructure and teaching staff better; this can lead to improved resource allocation, ensuring that remaining schools have adequate facilities and personnel.
  1. Policy Initiatives
  • Government Policies: Various state governments have implemented policies to consolidate schools as part of broader educational reforms. These policies often prioritize efficiency over accessibility, leading to the closure or merging of smaller institutions.
  1. Demographic Changes
  • Population Shifts: Changes in population dynamics, such as urban migration or declining birth rates in certain areas, can result in fewer children needing education in specific locations, necessitating schools merging to adapt to changing demographics.
  1. Focus on Quality Education
  • Improving Educational Standards: The rationale behind merging is often linked to enhancing educational quality by concentrating resources in fewer schools. This approach aims to provide better facilities and teaching standards in consolidated institutions.
  1. Community Resistance and Social Factors
  • Local Sentiment: In some cases, community resistance to school closures can lead to mergers instead, as local authorities seek to appease residents while still addressing budgetary or enrolment issues.

Education for All in India