The dropout rate for students aged 15-16 years fell from 13.1% in 2018 to 7.9% in 2024, showcasing the success of schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and PM Poshan.
The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 offers a comprehensive evaluation of India’s rural education landscape, presenting an optimistic trajectory of progress and reforms implemented under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With an extensive survey covering 649,491 children across 17,997 villages in 605 districts, the findings underscore the commendable strides in enrollment, foundational literacy, digital literacy, and overall educational infrastructure in rural India.
Revolutionizing Pre-Primary Education
The ASER 2024 findings highlight significant progress in pre-primary education. Enrollment among children aged 3-5 years has shown a substantial rise, reflecting the effectiveness of government initiatives such as the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and the strengthening of Anganwadi centers.
Enrollment for 3-year-olds increased from 68.1% in 2018 to 77.4% in 2024, with states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Telangana achieving near-universal enrollment.
Among 5-year-olds, the enrollment rate saw a remarkable jump from 58.5% in 2018 to 71.4% in 2024, driven by proactive policies in Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
A decline in the proportion of underage children in Std I from 25.6% in 2018 to 16.7% in 2024 highlights improved implementation of age-appropriate school entry policies.
Strengthening Elementary Education
Under the Modi government, elementary education has seen sustained high enrollment rates, exceeding 95% for nearly two decades. The increased preference for government schools, from 65.5% in 2018 to 66.8% in 2024, signals rising confidence in public education.
Reading Skills: The proportion of Std III students able to read a Std II-level text increased from 20.9% in 2018 to 23.4% in 2024, with significant improvements in government schools. States such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha recorded over a 10-percentage point increase in reading proficiency.
Arithmetic Skills: Basic numerical subtraction skills in Std III improved from 28.2% to 33.7% in 2024, with Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh leading in progress.
Improved Learning Outcomes: Std V students in government schools showed a positive recovery in reading and arithmetic skills, reinforcing the impact of initiatives such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) programs.
Expanding Education for Older Children
School Enrollment: The dropout rate for students aged 15-16 years fell from 13.1% in 2018 to 7.9% in 2024, showcasing the success of schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and PM Poshan.
Digital Literacy: Smartphone access among children aged 14-16 years is near universal, with 82.2% reporting proficiency in smartphone usage. The push for digital literacy and online education platforms has ensured greater engagement in educational activities.
Reinforcing School Infrastructure and Teacher Attendance
Over 95% of schools have received textbooks on time, marking a substantial improvement from previous years.
Government-mandated FLN activities have been implemented in over 80% of schools, reflecting the strong policy focus on early education.
Student attendance rose from 72.4% in 2018 to 75.9% in 2024, while teacher attendance improved from 85.1% to 87.5%, largely driven by Uttar Pradesh.
Infrastructure improvements, including functional girls’ toilets (66.4% in 2018 to 72% in 2024) and access to drinking water (74.8% to 77.7%), demonstrate the effectiveness of government interventions.
A Testament to Modi Government’s Commitment
The ASER 2024 report unequivocally showcases the Modi government’s relentless efforts to revamp the education sector. By integrating innovative policies, strengthening public education, and enhancing digital learning avenues, the government has laid the foundation for a more literate and skilled India. The results reaffirm that the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision is on the right track, ensuring that every child receives quality education, thereby contributing to India’s journey toward becoming a global powerhouse in the 21st century.
The Modi government’s focus on education is not merely about increasing enrollment but about transforming the quality of learning and ensuring that students are equipped for the challenges of a digital, knowledge-based economy. With continued policy support and infrastructure development, India is well on its way to achieving universal foundational literacy and numeracy, paving the path for a brighter future.
