Introduction
Arunachal Pradesh has experienced a notable increase in enrollment rates for elementary education, according to Chief Minister Pema Khandu. This development is attributed to the state’s dedicated efforts to enhance educational infrastructure and accessibility.
Government Initiatives Boost Enrollment
The state government has implemented several initiatives to improve the education sector. These include the development of school infrastructure, provision of free education, and the establishment of model schools adhering to global standards. Such measures have led to a consistent rise in student enrollment in government schools over the past few years.
Improved Literacy Rates
As a result of these efforts, Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed an improvement in literacy rates. The male literacy rate has increased from 63.83% in 2011 to 73.69% in 2021, while the female literacy rate has risen from 43.53% to 59.57% during the same period.
Enhanced Examination Performance
The state’s focus on education quality is reflected in the improved performance of students in board examinations. The pass percentage for Class X students increased from 57.74% in 2016 to 65.55% in 2021, and for Class XII students, it surged from 51.44% to 91.73% during the same period.
Reduction in Dropout Rates
There has been a significant reduction in school dropout rates, which have fallen below 2.3% in the 2021–22 academic year, well below the national average, compared to 9% in 2016–17.
Establishment of Model Schools
The government has allocated a special grant of INR 500 crore for the development of 50 model schools, known as Golden Jubilee Schools, designed to meet global standards in teaching pedagogy, infrastructure, and extracurricular facilities.
Introduction of Vocational Education
Under the Samagra Shiksha initiative, vocational education in the fields of Tourism & Hospitality and Information Technology has been introduced in higher secondary schools to enhance employability skills among students.
Focus on Early Childhood Education
The state has also emphasized early childhood education, with the availability of pre-primary classes in schools increasing from 3% in 2016 to 27% in 2022. Additionally, 840 Early Childhood Care Centers (ECCE) have been established to support early learning.
Digital Monitoring for Better Outcomes
To monitor and enhance learning outcomes, the Vidya Samiksha Kendra has been established, drawing inspiration from Gujarat’s model. This digital platform maintains information about teachers and students, facilitating comprehensive monitoring of the education system.
Conclusion
Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s emphasis on education has led to significant improvements in enrollment rates, literacy levels, and overall educational outcomes in Arunachal Pradesh. The state’s commitment to providing quality education is evident through its various initiatives aimed at building a robust educational framework for the future.
Source: Pema Khandu – Education
