Contrast in Public Education: Gujarat's Struggling Schools vs. Kerala's High-Tech Advancements

75 Government Primary Schools Closed Over Two Academic Years. This is the situation of public schools in Gujarat, which the Sangh Parivar claims to be the only state in India setting an example for other countries. The reason for the closure of these schools is the lack of student attendance, the deplorable condition of public schools, and the absence of teachers.

The report presented by the government in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly shows that such a large number of public schools have been closed in the academic years 2023-24 and 2024-25. Dropout rates are highest in schools in tribal areas. A massive dropout has been recorded in Khanpur, Kawant, and Poshina taluks. In many areas, children are seen dropping out of school halfway through their studies. The fact that only one teacher is available to teach classes 1 to 8 highlights the terrible state of public schools in Gujarat.

These figures show that no steps have been taken by the BJP government to provide the necessary infrastructure for schools or to appoint teachers, keeping in mind the future of students.

In contrast, in Kerala, multi-story buildings, tiled courtyards, air conditioning, and lifts provide facilities in public schools that, at first glance, surpass those of five-star hotels. The LDF government's policy of providing quality education to all children can be seen in government schools across Kerala. Over the past 10 years, projects worth Rs 4,000 crore have been implemented in 973 public schools in Kerala through KIIFB. Of this, Rs 3,000 crore has been spent on building construction, and Rs 1,000 crore on high-tech classrooms.

Additionally, developments worth more than Rs 5,000 crore have been implemented through the Plan Fund, NABARD, MLA Fund, and local body funds. A total of 629 schools envisioned through KIIFB have already completed construction. Moreover, 53 schools have been provided with new buildings through the Coastal Development Corporation.

Furthermore, 45,000 classrooms from classes 8 to 12 have been upgraded to high-tech. High-tech labs have been set up in 11,275 schools for classes 1 to 7. Under the leadership of KITE, as part of the high-tech school project, with financial assistance from KIIFB, 1,35,551 laptops and 69,945 projectors, along with other IT equipment, have been provided to all government and aided schools in the state. As part of the Vidyakiranam project, 47,673 laptops have been distributed.