A Snapshot of the State of Education in India

Pratham released the results of their annual survey earlier this year which may be useful for those wanting data to inform their work. The survey shows that more children are attending schools, but that teacher attendance has slightly declined. According to a Merinews article, the report shows that the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan government program is making tremendous impact in some of the Indian states. Also of note is that the percent of girls not going to school decreased. For example, in the 11-14 age category, the percent of girls that are out of school has come down to 7.4 per cent in 2007 from 10.3 per cent in 2006.

Some stats from the news article:

According to Pratham’s annual survey of education report, 2007, there is a considerable decline in the percentage of out-of-school children in the age group of 6 to 14 from 6.6 per cent in 2006 to 4.2 per cent in 2007.

The report also shows that children’s attendance in class I-V has remained static at 73.4 per cent, whereas the overall attendance from I-VIII increased to 75.5 per cent from 74.8 per cent in 2005. Even the per cent of schools, with 75 per cent and more enrolled children attending has increased marginally to 60.2 per cent from 59.7 per cent in 2005.

The midday meal coverage has increased from 74 per cent to 91.6 per cent.