Muslim girls' enrolment increases

A report by the National University of Educational Planning and Administration shows an increase in enrolment of Muslim girls in primary and upper primary levels in 2009-10.

An analysis of data from 1.28 million recognised schools imparting elementary education from 635 districts spread over 35 states and union territories, shows a total enrolment of 17.17 million (against 14.83 million in 2008-09) Muslim children in primary classes in 2009-10. This is 13.04% of the total 131.72 million enrolment in classes I to V. During 2009-10, an additional 2.34 million Muslim minority children were enrolled in primary classes across the country. In 2008-09, the share of Muslim enrolment was 11.03% and in 2007-08, it was 10.49%. Girls, both at primary and upper primary level, have done exceptionally well. Of the total Muslim enrolment in primary classes, Muslim girls contribute 48.89% which is similar to the share of girls in overall primary enrolment (48.44%) at the all-India level. At the upper primary level, Muslim girls to total Muslim enrolment in upper primary classes is 49.97% which is above the national average of 48.04%. 

This is a heartening development especially in the context of earlier reports which showed very poor educational levels for Muslims in India, such levels being lower than those of SC/ST on some parameters. It is too early to celebrate however as enrolment is only a first step. One needs to study the scenario over a period of time to analyse drop-out rates before a clearer picture emerges.

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