ASER 2024 Report on India's Primary Education
The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 by Pratham offers a vital citizen-driven perspective on India’s primary education system, highlighting the effective utilization of taxpayer money in educating the younger generation and strengthening the foundation for a resilient economy.
Key Findings
- Demand for Education: There is a significant demand for education across the country.
- Early Childhood Education: Over 80% of rural children aged 3-4 are enrolled in pre-primary institutions, aligning with NEP 2020's goals for universal early childhood education.
- Elementary Level Improvements:
- Enrolment and foundational skills in reading and arithmetic have improved across all grades compared to 2022.
- Basic school infrastructure has expanded.
- NIPUN Bharat now covers most schools.
- Proficiency Gains: Government school students in classes 1-8 have surpassed pre-pandemic levels in reading and maths skills.
Digital Literacy and Gender Disparities
- Digital Literacy Inclusion: The report, for the first time, includes a section on digital literacy among 14-16-year-olds.
- Gender Disparities: A critical gap in gender disparities is observed in access to smartphones and digital skills.
- Urgency of Addressing Disparities:
- Addressing this gap is urgent as digital literacy becomes as essential as foundational education.
- Without timely intervention, these disparities could widen, undermining digital age preparedness.
Recommendations
- Targeted Policies and Budgeting: Proper budgeting and targeted policies are crucial to ensure digital skills receive the necessary attention.
- Fostering an Equitable Education System: Emphasis on fostering a well-rounded education system that addresses both foundational and digital skills.
