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Almost 8,000 schools across India recorded zero student registrations during the academic year of 2024-2025. The enrolment numbers were recorded in few parts of Indian states like West Bengal which reported the highest number of schools followed by Telangana and Madhya Pradesh according to officials from the Ministry of Education.
Apart from zero student admissions, the highlighting part remains the employment of 20,817 teachers in these schools collectively. Looking at the stats, the percentage has dropped as compared to previous year which is from 12,954 in 2023-24 to 7,993 in 2024-25.
States reporting zero student admissions
The problem has severely affected major states of India, like Haryana, Maharashtra, Goa, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Along with the states, Union Territories are also affected by this major problem such as Delhi, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Daman and Diu.
A senior official, told PTI that “School education is a State subject, States have been advised to address the issue of zero enrolments in schools. Some States have merged some schools for optimum utilisation of resources such as infrastructure as well as staff.”
Urgent policy reform
The data suggests that major reforms are needed to be implemented for the situation dismantling the education sector. The Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad has announced plans to revoke recognition of affiliated schools that have reported zero student enrolment for three consecutive academic years.
The question arises that if no students are being enrolled then why are the teachers being employed on such a massive scale? The government policy implementation is required to bring to this Indian problem and bring into light the educational opportunities for students.
(With inputs from PTI)
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