Over 2.4 lakh children out of school in Gujarat despite rising education spending: Report

More than 2.4 lakh children in Gujarat are currently out of school despite large-scale government spending on education initiatives, according to figures cited from a recent NITI Aayog report, raising concerns over dropout rates and gaps in the state’s education system.

The report has sparked criticism over the effectiveness of flagship educational campaigns such as Praveshotsav and Gunotsav, on which the state government has spent crores of rupees over the years.

According to the data, the number of children outside the formal education system in Gujarat rose sharply from 54,541 in 2024 to nearly 2.4 lakh in 2025, marking an increase of more than 300% within a year.

The figures have intensified concerns over school dropouts, particularly among girls and economically weaker sections.

Officials and education activists said that while the state continues to project improvements in digital education and infrastructure, serious challenges remain at the ground level.

The report also stated that more than 1.1 lakh girls in Gujarat had dropped out of school, raising questions over the implementation and effectiveness of campaigns such as “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”.

Data show over 27% of students reportedly discontinue education before reaching Class 10, while around 2.3 lakh children drop out before appearing for secondary examinations.

The report further claimed that the state government currently lacks updated tracking information for nearly 6.4 lakh children, with authorities yet to ascertain their educational status or whereabouts.

Despite an education budget of ₹63,184 crore for the 2025-26 financial year, the report highlighted that more than 40,000 teaching posts remain vacant in government schools across Gujarat.

Critics said the shortage of teachers continues to affect classroom education even as the government promotes smart classrooms, internet connectivity and digital learning initiatives.

Education experts pointed out that while Gujarat remains among the leading states in terms of infrastructure such as electricity and internet access, the absence of adequate teaching staff has weakened learning outcomes in many schools.

The report has also revived debate over the closure and merger of government schools in some areas amid rising expenditure on education.