Context: The UDISE+ 2024-25 report released by the Ministry of Education highlights critical gaps in India’s school infrastructure, digital access, and teacher availability.
About UDISE+ 2024-25 report:
What it is?
- Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) is an annual national data system for school education (Grades I–XII).
- It covers infrastructure, enrolment, teacher strength, training, digital readiness, health facilities, and learning environment across government, aided, and private schools.
Key Trends (2024-25):
- Digital Divide:
- Only 65% of schools have computers; just 58% functional.
- Internet access: 63% overall; Gov. schools (58.6%) vs. private (77.1%).
- Infrastructure:
- Toilets: 98.6%, Hand-wash: 95.9%, Drinking water: 99%.
- Yet, >25,000 schools lack working electricity.
- Enrolment Concerns:
- 5.1% schools have <10 students.
- Zero-enrolment schools common in Ladakh (32.2%), Arunachal & Uttarakhand (22%).
- Teacher Shortages:
- PTR fine at primary (20:1) but alarming in higher classes: Jharkhand (47:1), Maharashtra & Odisha (37:1).
- RTE norm = 30:1; NEP recommends 20–25:1.
- Teacher Training:
- National average ~91% trained.
- Meghalaya lowest (72% at primary, 80% at upper-primary).
- Regional Variation:
- South (Kerala, Tamil Nadu) near universal coverage of toilets, internet.
- Eastern & NE states lag behind: West Bengal (18.6% internet), Meghalaya (26.4%).
- Health Support:
- Medical check-ups in only 75.5% schools; Bihar (32.7%), Nagaland (44.9%).
Relevance in UPSC:
- GS-II (Governance, Education, RTE, NEP 2020)
- Highlights state capacity issues, digital divide, dropout challenges.
- Useful for answers on SDG-4 (Quality Education) and inclusive growth.
- GS-III (Human Resource Development)
- Data helps in writing about demographic dividend, skill formation, and productivity.
- GS-IV (Ethics & Public Administration)
- Case reference for “equity in education” and role of civil servants in bridging gaps.
