EDUCATION IN JHARKHAND
Jharkhand is considered an educationally backward state in India, with a literacy rate of 66.41% as per the 2011 census. While there has been an upward trend in literacy, it remains below the national average. The state has three universities and 131 colleges, offering various educational facilities. The government has implemented initiatives like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan to improve primary education, with a focus on ensuring access to education for all children up to the age of 14.
Here's a more detailed look at education in Jharkhand:
Literacy Rate:
Jharkhand's literacy rate is 66.41%, with male literacy at 76.84% and female literacy at 52.04%.
This literacy rate is below the national average of 74.04%.
Jharkhand ranks 32nd out of 36 states and union territories in terms of literacy rate.
Educational Structure:
Education in Jharkhand is governed by the State Boards, Universities, and schools.
Schools are affiliated with the State Board, CBSE, or ICSE.
Government schools in Jharkhand are vernacular medium, with Hindi as the medium of instruction.
Government colleges also include English medium colleges.
Challenges:
Jharkhand faces challenges in ensuring access to education, with only 65% of villages having schools.
Some districts, like Giridith, have a lower percentage of villages with access to primary schools.
Teacher vacancies, especially at the secondary and higher secondary levels, are a concern.
Learning outcomes in government schools are low, with a significant number of students unable to read basic texts.
Government Initiatives:
The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan aims to provide free and compulsory education to children up to 14 years of age.
The state government has launched the Guruji Student Credit Card Scheme to provide financial assistance to students.
Scholarships are provided to students from tribal and indigenous communities, including those studying abroad.