Goa reportedly aims to attain a 100 percent literacy rate by December 2025 with the involvement of various communities and local panchayats. Currently, Kerala is the only state in India to have achieved 100 percent literacy. The state’s literacy rate has increased from 88.7% in 2011 to 93.2% according to the 2019-21 census. Goa’s literacy rate is reportedly high due to the State’s extensive network of schools and education policies. However, the ground realities seem quite different.
According to the report of Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2023-24 released by the Department of School Education and Literacy of the 1,487 schools in Goa, there are 238 schools with a single teacher. These schools had a total enrolment of 3,142 in the year 2023-24. On the flip side as many as 16 teachers are appointed in four schools with zero enrolment. One wonders about the role of the teachers in these schools when there are no students.
In this age of Information Technology of the 789 government schools, only 20% have functional computer facilities. Education is important for a child’s development in many ways, which includes instilling values and social and emotional development. Children learn fundamental values like honesty, accountability, and cooperation. Education helps students prepare for further education and a better future. The dropout rate at the secondary level stood at 8.07% which must be considered as exceptionally high. This is a matter of concern and necessary remedial measures need to be taken to reverse the trend.
