Data released by the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) for the academic year 2023-24 paints a grim picture of the education landscape in Goa. While the State boasts impressive pupil-teacher ratios (PTR) that eclipse national averages and a remarkably low dropout rate, the structural weak links in the system are showing. To put the numbers in perspective, of the 1,487 schools in Goa, 238 are run by a single teacher. This translates to a staggering 3,142 students being managed in some cases by individuals juggling multiple roles. Statistics show that 16 per cent of schools are operated by a single teacher and many schools show stagnant or declining enrolment numbers. The low enrolment and inadequate teaching staff are two glaring shortcomings in the government-run education system.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has been consistently optimistic about government-run schools despite the contrasting ground realities. While speaking at a CSR programme in October last year he stated that there is growing interest among parents to enrol their children in government-run schools over government-aided and private schools. However, data does not reflect that thought. Nearly 43 per cent of schools have 50 or fewer students, while only 11 per cent manage to attract more than 500 students. This suggests a fragmentation in the educational ecosystem that could lead to inefficiencies and inequities. The stagnation in enrolment numbers, particularly in schools with no students at all, raises serious questions about the efficiency and a lack of interest in government schooling.
The statistics around functional computer facilities are equally disturbing; only 20 per cent of government schools have access to this critical resource for modern education. In an age where digital literacy is crucial and when the world is embracing technology in a big way, this gap presents a barrier not merely to education but to the very future of the children. There is a concern in terms of facilities extended to children with special needs as well. Alarmingly, just 20 per cent of government schools and a mere 9 per cent of all schools provide the necessary facilities for children with special needs. The fact that over 4,341 children with special needs are enrolled in schools with limited access to appropriate infrastructure is a stark reminder of how far Goa still has to go in making education inclusive and accessible for all.
The data sends clear signals to prioritise teacher training and invest in infrastructure. Goans shy away from government schools because parents lack confidence in these institutions. The decay of the government schooling system is very much visible through the numbers and the gradual decline in such schools in the past decade says it all. The journey toward a robust educational system starts with recognizing structural deficiencies and committing to comprehensive reforms.
Not all is lost and government schools can see a revival if there is a strong will and purpose to reform. The realities highlighted by the 2023-24 UDISE+ report underscore the need for immediate action, beyond structural upgrades. The state cannot afford to remain complacent; it must innovate, invest, and inspire to cultivate an educational environment that meets the needs of current times.
