Students in private schools
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 08 2013:
Leaving aside its merits and demerits, Manipur has earned another distinction of being the number one State in terms of maximum admission of students in private schools.
According to the Annual Status of Education Report (Rural) Manipur 2012 which was released today at ICM, 98 per cent of children below 14 years have been admitted in schools and 67.3 per cent of them are going to private schools.
The report indicated that 30.8 per cent of children between 6 to 14 years are admitted in Government schools while the remaining 1.5 per cent are not admitted in any school.
In the age of group of 15-16 years, 25.3 per cent of boys are admitted in Government schools while 66.8 per cent are admitted in private schools.
7.1 per cent are not going to any school.
Another 0.9 per cent are admitted in Madrassas and EGS.
31 per cent of girls in the age group of 15-16 are admitted in Government schools as 59.3 per cent are enrolled in private schools.
9.8 per cent are not enrolled in any school.
The national average for the number of students admitted in private schools is 28.3 per cent.
In terms of admission of students in private schools, the neighbouring states of Nagaland and Mizoram scores just 38.5 percent and 24.8 per cent respectively.
Speaking at the report releasing function, Dr I Ibohanbi remarked that the ever rising trend of sending students to private schools is not a positive sign.
This is a clear testimony that the vast majority of parents in Manipur do not trust Government schools.
This is an indication that Government schools are not faring well.
The situation demands immediate and serious attention of the Government, he asserted.
Every citizen should take responsibility and work with commitment to bring about a superb education system in the State.
The function was also attended by Prof Mohendro and BSEM Chairman Potshangbam Dhanakumar as guest of honour and president respectively.
As per the report published today, 67.3 per cent of students are sent to private schools, and out of them 47.8 per cent go for private tuition.
Of the total number of students studying in Government schools, 22.15 per cent go tuitionivate tution.
Though all the schools should have kitchens for preparing mid-day meals under the Right to Education Act, only 53.7 per cent of the schools in Manipur have kitchens, mentioned the ASER 2012 report.