Karnataka holds the second-highest enrolment rate for primary education in India, according to the Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey 2022-23 conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and released last month. This survey, covering July 2022 to June 2023, highlights that 97.4% of children aged six to 10 were enrolled in classes 1-5 within the state. However, educationists advise caution when interpreting the findings, emphasizing the importance of analyzing detailed, district-specific data for a more comprehensive understanding.
Regional Disparities in Enrolment Rates
While the state’s overall enrolment rate is commendable, experts like Niranjanaradhya V P stress the need for more granular data to identify regional discrepancies. “This is the state average. However, what we need is segregated data. In many districts of Karnataka, especially the northeastern ones, the enrolment rate could be much lower. The state should use this as a pointer and create a concrete plan to ensure all children are in school,” he noted.
Comparison with Other States
Tripura leads with a slightly higher enrolment rate of 97.9% among the same age group, positioning Karnataka as a close second. Other states such as Sikkim (96%), Puducherry (95.5%), Nagaland (94.5%), Kerala, Manipur, and West Bengal (94.4%) also ranked high in primary education enrolments. The survey’s extensive coverage included 15,298 units and analyzed data from approximately 3.02 lakh households nationwide.
Factors Contributing to High Enrolment
Several factors contribute to Karnataka’s success in maintaining high primary school enrolments. According to A S Seetharamu, a former faculty member at the Institute for Social and Economic Change, Karnataka’s Mean Level of Education (MLE) stands at nine years, higher than the national average of 8.4 years. “A higher MLE indicates heightened awareness for schooling,” he remarked. He added that factors such as effective enrolment drives, government-provided incentives like milk and midday meals, and good rural infrastructure significantly boost enrolment rates.
Enrolment Trends: Public vs. Private Schools
The survey highlighted that 64.4% of Karnataka’s primary school students attend government schools, 10.1% are enrolled in aided schools, and 25.2% opt for private institutions. In rural regions, 17% of boys and 13% of girls attend private schools, reflecting a gender disparity in school attendance. In urban areas, the difference narrows, with 46.3% of boys and 46% of girls attending private schools. Seetharamu pointed out that these trends reflect underlying gender biases, particularly in rural settings and urban slums. “Migration of construction workers from northeast Karnataka to major cities in the state also contributes to this phenomenon,” he added.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the impressive overall statistics, there remain out-of-school children in Karnataka, albeit in small numbers. Seetharamu acknowledges this as a concern that requires continued attention to ensure full enrolment. The state’s performance in primary education enrolments is encouraging, but addressing regional and gender disparities is essential for sustaining progress and ensuring equitable education for all children.
Karnataka’s efforts to bolster education access have yielded positive results, but further measures are necessary to bridge existing gaps. By focusing on localised challenges and fostering inclusive policies, the state can strive for comprehensive educational coverage that benefits all students.
