Status of Education in the North-Eastern Part of India 2023

The north-eastern region of India, known as the Seven Sisters, comprises eight states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland Sikkim, and Tripura. Despite the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the region, the status of education in the north-eastern part of India remains a cause for concern.

The literacy rate in the north-eastern region is lower than the national average, with some states having the lowest literacy rates in the country. As per the Census of India, the literacy rate in Assam was 72.19 percent in 2011, lower than the national average of 74.04 percent. In Nagaland, the literacy rate was only 79.55 percent, while in Arunachal Pradesh, 66.95 percent. The situation is even worse in some of the remote areas, where the literacy rate is as low as 40 percent.

One of the important reasons for the low literacy rate in the region is the lack of infrastructure and facilities for education. Many regional schools lack basic amenities such as classrooms, furniture, and toilets. The shortage of trained teachers is another major challenge that the education system in the region faces. In some areas, one teacher is responsible for teaching multiple subjects, which makes it challenging to provide quality education to students.

The lack of access to quality school education is also a significant regional issue. Many children in remote areas cannot access schools and those who do often have to travel long distances to attend them. The dropout rate is high, with many students leaving school early to help their families with farming or other household work.

The cultural diversity of the region is another factor that affects education. The curriculum in most schools in the region is based on a Western model, which does not consider the local culture and traditions. This can lead to a disconnection between students and their cultural roots, hurting their overall development.

Despite these challenges, there have been some positive developments in the education sector in the north-eastern region. Several initiatives have been launched to improve the quality of education, including the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan. These programs aim to provide access to quality education to all children in the region and to improve the infrastructure and facilities in schools.

Literacy & Dropout Rates in N-E Region of India, 2023

Like other parts of the Country, off late there is seen an increase in the number of private unaided schools in the region, which has helped improve education quality. Private schools often have better infrastructure and facilities and employ trained teachers. However, these schools are often expensive, which makes them inaccessible to many children from low-income families.

The status of education in the north-eastern part of India remains a cause for concern. The region faces several challenges, including a lack of infrastructure and facilities, a shortage of trained teachers, and a lack of access to quality education. However, there have been some positive developments in recent years, and the government and other stakeholders must continue to work toward improving the education system in the region to ensure that every child has access to quality education.

Education for All in India