Assam govt school enrolment falls 7.35 lakh since 2016-17
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
Assam Assembly was informed that government school enrolment dropped by over 7.35 lakh from 2016-17 to 2025-26, while private schools gained 9.41 lakh students. This highlights a significant shift in educational preferences and raises concerns about the quality and infrastructure of government schools.
Background
The data was presented by Education Minister Ranoj Pegu in a written reply to a question by Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi. Provincialisation refers to the government taking over liabilities of non-government schools.
Key facts
Government school enrolment fell by 7,35,446 students from 2016-17 to 2025-26.
Private school enrolment increased by 9,40,566 students in the same period.
Number of government schools declined by 8,591.
Government schools lost 15,326 teachers; private schools gained 51,214 teachers.
Assam has 3,031 single-teacher schools, 15,270 schools with two teachers, and 8,115 schools with three teachers.
676 government schools lack electricity; 730 lack internet; 12,353 have no fans in classrooms.
Prelims pointers
- Assam Education Minister: Ranoj Pegu
- Raijor Dal MLA: Akhil Gogoi
- Provincialisation: government takeover of non-government school liabilities
Mains angles
- GS2: Issues relating to development and management of social sectors – Education
- GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in education sector
- GS2: Role of state governments in education