Decline in School Enrolment: Analysis and Response in Jammu and Kashmir

The analysis of enrolment data for the academic years 2023-24 and 2022-23, based on UDISE+ data from government schools, indicates a decline of 61,451 students over one year.

This decrease in enrolment is evident when comparing UDISE data for 2022-23 with that of 2023-24. According to official documents, this decline has been identified across 554 schools in J&K within the year.In light of this troubling revelation, the Directorate of Samagra Shiksha J&K has instructed all Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to validate the data and investigate the reasons behind the decline in school enrolment.

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

The Directorate of Samagra Shiksha has attached a list of these schools with the official communication, highlighting those where enrolments have dropped by more than 50 students 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 enrolment,” the official document reads.CEOs have been asked to submit their reports by 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 the given timeframe is of paramount importance,” the document reads.

This decline in enrolment has been noted despite the annual enrolment drives conducted by the School Education Department (SED) over the past few years.The department claimed to have registered over one lakh new admissions in schools across various classes.

Despite these claims of increased student enrolment in previous years, the analysis of UDISE data has shown a decline of over 61,000 students in just one year.