Only 57 Percent of Schools Have Functional Computers and 53 Percent Have Internet Access, Reports Education Ministry

According to the Union education ministry's UDISE data, only 57% of schools in India have operational computers, and 53% have internet access. The Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE Plus) is a platform that gathers educational data nationwide. Despite over 90% of schools having basic amenities like electricity and gender-specific toilets, advanced facilities such as functional desktops, internet access, and ramps with handrails are still lacking.

The report highlights that only 57.2% of schools have functional computers, 53.9% have internet access, and 52.3% are equipped with ramps. These figures point to significant gaps in accessibility and technological readiness across the country's schools. The enrolment landscape has also shifted, with the total number of students decreasing by 3.7 million to 248 million in the 2023-24 academic year.

Enrolment Disparities Across Educational Levels

The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) reveals disparities across different educational stages. At the preparatory level, the GER stands at 96.5%, while the foundational level is much lower at just 41.5%. Middle and secondary levels show GERs of 89.5% and 66.5%, respectively. Dropout rates increase significantly at higher education levels, rising from 5.2% in middle school to 10.9% at the secondary stage.

Despite efforts under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, infrastructure gaps continue to impede progress toward universal education goals. An official from the education ministry stated, "Optimising resources is key to meeting the ambitious targets for 2030." NEP 2020 focuses on inclusion and equity, and the UDISE Plus data provides a snapshot of representation across various educational metrics.

The data underscores the need for improved infrastructure to support educational advancements. While basic amenities are widely available, there is a pressing need to enhance technological facilities in schools to ensure better learning environments for students nationwide.

Efforts must be intensified to bridge these gaps and provide equal opportunities for all students. Addressing these challenges is crucial for achieving the objectives set out in NEP 2020 and ensuring that every child has access to quality education.