Assam's Government School Enrolment Declines Amid Private School Growth

In a concerning trend for public education in Assam, the enrolment figures for government and provincialised schools have experienced a significant drop over the last nine years. According to information presented in the Assembly by Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, the number of students enrolled in government schools from pre-primary to Class 12 has decreased by a staggering 735,446 between the academic years 2016-17 and 2025-26. This decline starkly contrasts with the rise in private school enrolments, which have surged by 940,566 during the same timeframe. This shift indicates a growing preference among families for private education options, raising questions about the future of government-run institutions in the state.

The data shared by Minister Pegu in response to a query from Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi reveals not only a drop in student numbers but also a reduction in the number of government schools, which has decreased by 8,591 over the past nine years. Furthermore, the staffing situation in these institutions has worsened, with a loss of 15,326 teachers in government schools, while private schools have hired an additional 51,214 educators. This disparity in teacher recruitment highlights the challenges faced by public schools in maintaining adequate staffing levels, which is crucial for providing quality education to students. The minister's remarks underscore the urgent need for the government to address these issues to prevent further erosion of public education.