Recent analysis from the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) and All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) reports have revealed a significant decrease in Muslim student enrolment in higher education. The decrease has been noticed in enrolments from 2019-20 to 2020-21, despite an overall increase since 2016-17.
About UDISE+
The UDISE+ report is a comprehensive study providing detailed information on various aspects of Indian school education, such as student enrolment, dropout rates, teacher numbers, and available facilities like toilets, buildings, and electricity. Launched in 2018-19, its goal is to expedite data entry, minimize errors, enhance data quality, and simplify its verification. This application collects key details about schools and their resources and is an updated version of UDISE, introduced in 2012-13.
All India Survey for Higher Education (AISHE)
AISHE is a Ministry of Education initiative aimed at evaluating the state of higher education in India and identifying areas of potential improvement. Annual web-based surveys are conducted in which students enrolled in higher education institutions can rate their colleges based on different categories including teaching, examination results, finance, programmes, enrolment, and infrastructure. The collected data serves as a resource in making informed policy decisions and conducting relevant research in higher education.
Key Findings of the Report on Muslim Student Dropout Rates
The report underlined several key findings regarding the dropout rates among Muslim students. One of the prominent findings was the sharp decline over 8.5% in enrolments among Muslim students aged 18-23 in higher education from 2019-20 to 2020-21. There was a decrease from 21 lakh students in 2019-20 to 19.21 lakh in 2020-21. While the overall increase in student enrolments was noticeable from 2016-17 to 2020-21, the last year documented a significant decrease.
The relative percentage of Muslim students enrolled in higher education compared to the total student population slightly decreased from 4.87% in 2016-17 to 4.64% in 2020-21. The report also highlighted state disparities, with Bihar and Madhya Pradesh having rather low gross enrolment ratios for Muslim students. On the other hand, Assam and West Bengal recorded high dropout rates among Muslim students, while Jammu and Kashmir and Kerala presenting lower percentages.
Recommendations for Improvement
The findings underlined the importance of implementing targeted support, inclusive policies, and enhancing scholarships and financial aid for Muslim students. This could help alleviate financial struggles faced by these students, many of whom come from low-income families, and improve their access to higher education.
Welfare Schemes for Minorities in India
Several welfare schemes targeting the minorities of India are currently operational. These include the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme, Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, Merit-cum-Means based Scholarship Scheme, all aimed at empowering students through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
Another noteworthy scheme is Naya Savera- Free Coaching and Allied Scheme. It provides free coaching to students from economically weaker sections of minority communities to prepare for technical/professional courses and competitive exams.
Other significant schemes include ‘Padho Pardesh’, ‘Nai Roshni’, ‘Seekho Aur Kamao’, Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), USTTAD, and Prime Minister-Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM Vikaas). These schemes aim to provide opportunities for skill development, leadership training, and overseas study subsidies while preserving traditional arts/crafts and providing a nationwide marketing platform for minority artisans and entrepreneurs.
Previous Year Questions on Civil Services Examinations
Past year questions in civil services examinations have touched upon subjects like religious sect/community status, independent regulators review, and the benefits derived from the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme. The comprehensive understanding and robust analysis of such subjects can potentially assist aspirants in preparing better for their examinations.
