Falling Birth Rates Blamed for Poor School Enrollment in Indian State

BANGALORE, India (NNN-Bernama) -- The number of children enrolling in schools has shown a downward trend in the south Indian state of Karnataka due to falling birth rates, a recent report says.

The report from the state commission on structural upgradation and reorganisation of school education said that some 693 government schools received five or fewer enrollments and another 2,510 had 10 enrollments and below.

The report said that falling birth rates in the state have contributed to poor enrollment of pupils in schools, Press Trust of India reported.

"More than 13,000 out of 45,200 elementary schools under the Department of Education (standard 1 to 5) are located in small habitations and have fewer than 30 children enrolled during the 2011-2012 period," the Commission said in its report.

The draft report of the Commission has been made public to seek feedback from stakeholders by Aug 31.

"Dwindling enrollments at the lower primary school stage affect numbers in higher primary schools, which in turn contribute to smaller sized high schools.

Demographic variables are a significant factor in planning exercises in secondary education," the Commission said.

The report also finds a declining growth rate in the 15 to 18 age category.-- NNN-BERNAMA