In a groundbreaking revelation from Bihar’s economic survey 2023-24, it has been reported that all children in the state’s primary schools are successfully acquiring education, with zero dropout rates. The survey further highlights a significant reduction in dropout rates at the secondary level, standing at only 2.77% for the academic year 2022-23.
Noteworthy is the 40% decline in dropout rates at the middle school level between 2015-16 and 2022-23, showcasing a positive trend in the education system. Importantly, the dropout rates for girls at both primary and secondary levels have considerably decreased, marking a positive shift in gender parity.
Patna, East Champaran, and Gaya emerge as the leading districts with the highest number of schools, according to the latest survey, with Patna boasting 3876 schools, East Champaran with 3563, and Gaya with 3537 schools. In contrast, the districts with the fewest schools include Shivhar with 455, Sheikhpura with 517, and Arwal with 619 schools.
The report also indicates a notable increase of 11.2% in public expenditure on education in the state over the past decade (2012-13 to 2022-23). The education expenditure, which was approximately 14,321.15 crore rupees in the financial year 2012-13, has now risen to 43,699.54 crore rupees in 2022-23. This period has witnessed a 2.9 times increase in revenue expenditure and a 7.4 times increase in capital expenditure on education.
Bihar’s strides in education reflect a positive trajectory, affirming the state’s commitment to providing quality education for all.