37 lakh students didn’t make it into schools in 2023–24, admits Modi govt

In a damning revelation that highlights yet another way the Modi government has failed to secure the future of India's youth, the ministry of education's Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) has reported a shocking decline of 37 lakhs in school enrolment for the academic year 2023–24.

This grim bit of data underscores the worsening state of education under a regime that has been more focused on political theatrics than real progress.

According to UDISE data, total enrolment in schools fell from 25.17 crore in 2022-23 to 24.80 crore in 2023-24, marking a significant drop. Both genders suffered, with female enrollment plummeting by 16 lakh and male enrollment by 21 lakh, according to the report.

The decline isn't just a statistical anomaly. Critics argue it reflects the deepening economic distress born of 'Modinomics', where rising inequality and economic mismanagement are forcing families — especially those in the bottom half of the socio-economic pyramid — to pull their children out of schools.

“Shocking! Privatisation, closures of government schools [are] responsible for this,' said CPI(M) leader Shubhasini Ali.

The report reveals that states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Assam have reported that their schoolrooms are underutilised due to declining enrolment, while states such as Telangana, West Bengal and Punjab are struggling with overburdened infrastructure.

Despite the government's claims of identifying "ghost students" through Aadhaar verification and streamlining benefits, the harsh reality remains: millions of children are being robbed of their right to education.

Observers have lambasted the Modi government for its priorities.

"This isn't just a drop in numbers; it's a generation losing access to education. While the government spends billions on vanity projects and divisive propaganda, the future of India's children is being sacrificed," said one educationist on condition of anonymity.

The stark decline in enrolment shows not just economic hardship but also systemic negligence, other argued.

With millions of children out of school, the Modi government can no longer turn a blind eye to this crisis. The dramatic fall in school enrolment figures should surely serve as a wake-up call — but the question remains: Will the government act to save the nation's future, or will it continue to prioritise image over impact?