Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a significant decline in student enrolment in government schools between 2016-17 and 2023-24, despite a substantial increase in the school education budget. Congress state unit chief Jitu Patwari recently raised this alarming issue, pointing out that the number of students enrolled in government schools has dropped by a staggering 12,23,384 over this period.
Expressing his concerns, Patwari highlighted that the sharpest decline was observed at the primary and middle school levels. Primary classes saw a reduction of 6,35,434 students, while middle classes lost 4,83,171 students. The enrolment in high and higher secondary classes also dipped by 1,04,479 students. This drastic decline comes at a time when the state government is making lofty claims of elevating the education system to global standards.
Adding to the paradox, Patwari noted that the school education budget witnessed an 80 percent rise during the same period. In 2016-17, the budget was Rs 16,226.08 crore, which surged to Rs 29,468.03 crore in 2023-24. This substantial increase aimed to enhance the quality of education and infrastructure in government schools. Despite the financial boost, the enrolment numbers tell a different story, raising questions about the effectiveness of budget utilization.
The average expenditure per student has also witnessed a sharp rise. In 2016-17, the government spent Rs 16,672 per student, which increased to Rs 34,631 in 2023-24. The state also invested heavily in providing free books to students from classes 1 to 8, costing Rs 317.48 crore. Additionally, the midday meal scheme, which benefited 264.43 crore children during this period, cost the state exchequer Rs 8,038.92 crore.
Criticizing the government’s approach, Patwari stated that while bureaucrats have been undertaking foreign tours to study advanced education models, such as the South Korean model, the ground reality remains grim. He emphasized that instead of indulging in “fake publicity,” the state needed to focus on delivering tangible results and ensuring quality education in government schools.
Addressing Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on the social media platform ‘X’, Patwari stressed the importance of public funds being utilized for the greater good. He remarked that Madhya Pradesh, which is increasingly sinking into a debt trap, urgently needs practical and effective measures to revitalize its education sector rather than superficial promotional strategies.
