31% Boost In Female Students Since 2014-15, Says Education Minister

The education minister of India has said that there has been a 31 percent increase in the number of female students since the onset of the Modi-led government in 2014. Minister Dharmendra Pradhan marked this while talking about the New Education Policy 2024 in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. He also talked about the increase in students, especially female students, from SC, ST, OBC and Muslim communities. Read on to learn more.

The most heartening is the 45% increase in female students from the Muslim minority in schools, emphasizing the strides made towards gender equality and inclusion.

Pioneering Initiatives for Inclusive Education

India, with over 300 million students, witnesses a monumental shift in educational dynamics. Of these, 260 million are in grades 0–12, and 40 million are in higher education institutions. Minister Pradhan emphasized that this surge is not just about numbers but represents a paradigm shift in the perception of education, particularly among girls.

This surge, ranging from 20–25%, signifies a fundamental transformation in the educational landscape.

Pradhan added, "There is a 44% increase in students from backward classes/ going to school, a 50% growth of female students from Scheduled Castes (SC), and an 80% increase of female students from Scheduled Tribes (ST) in schools."

With an increase of 45 percent, women from Muslim minorities have also registered their names in schools.

The correlation between government initiatives and increased educational participation is undeniable. Minister Pradhan asserted that these efforts have not only augmented enrollment numbers but have also kindled a renewed interest in education among children. The ripple effect is anticipated to propel India to new heights, as emphasized by the positive prospects envisioned in the New Education Policy.

Revitalizing India's Linguistic Heritage

Minister Pradhan highlights the vitality of India's soul through its diverse languages. In alignment with this sentiment, the government has taken proactive measures to enhance the teaching of Indian languages. The updated curriculum framework mandates that all students in classes 11 and 12 study a minimum of two languages, with one being an Indian language. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has played a pivotal role in this initiative by ensuring the availability of teaching and learning materials for 20 Indian civil languages in schools.

Minister Pradhan highlights the catalyzing effect of the New Education Policy, foreseeing its role in propelling India to new heights in the next three years.