Madhya Pradesh public schools aim to enrol 1.45 crore students this year, with last year’s enrolment up 32.4% and zero dropouts reported. Despite incentives like laptops, bicycles, and free meals, assessments show many students lag in literacy and numeracy. Experts stress that improving teaching quality and monitoring is essential to bridge the learning gap.

Indore (Madhya Pradeshy): Madhya Pradesh aims to enrol 1.45 crore students in public schools this academic session, reflecting rising parental trust in government education.

Last year, enrolments jumped by 32.4%, and officials reported zero dropouts. Yet behind this surge lies a worrying gap, many students continue to lag in foundational literacy and numeracy.

The state has invested heavily to encourage attendance, allocating Rs 250 crore for laptops, Rs 100 crore for scooters and Rs210 crore for bicycles, alongside free textbooks, uniforms and meals. While these measures have increased enrolments, education experts warn they do not automatically improve core learning outcomes.

Recent assessments paint a stark picture. A National Achievement Survey of Class 3 students found performance in reading, writing and mathematics below national averages. Under the NIPUN Bharat Mission, only 39% of Class 3 pupils meet oral reading fluency benchmarks, and just 22% demonstrate basic numeracy skills. Class 2 results are lower still, with 27% achieving reading fluency and 11% reaching numeracy benchmarks.