&w=1200&q=75)
Punjab Faces 9% Drop in School Enrolment Amid Meal Program Concerns
Centre flags 9% decline in Punjab school enrolment
Image: Hindustan Times
Punjab's government schools saw a 9% decline in student enrolment for the 2025-26 academic year, dropping to 17.34 lakh. The Union Ministry of Education flagged this issue, particularly in pre-primary sections, and noted that 21% of enrolled students missed out on mid-day meals.
- 01Enrolment in Punjab's government schools decreased by nearly 1.76 lakh, from 19.10 lakh to 17.34 lakh.
- 02The sharpest decline was in Bal Vatkas, where enrolment fell from 1.62 lakh to 1.11 lakh.
- 03Approximately 21% of enrolled students, or 3.68 lakh, did not receive mid-day meals during the 2025-26 academic year.
- 04The average coverage of mid-day meals was 82% at the primary level and 77% at the upper primary level.
- 05A budget of ₹352 crore has been approved for providing meals to 14.5 lakh students in the 2026-27 academic year.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Union Ministry of Education has expressed concern over a 9% decline in student enrolment in Punjab's government schools for the 2025-26 academic year, dropping to 17.34 lakh from 19.10 lakh. This decline, amounting to nearly 1.76 lakh students, was highlighted during a meeting on May 16 regarding funding for the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM Poshan) Scheme. The most significant drop occurred in Bal Vatkas (pre-primary sections), where enrolment fell from 1.62 lakh to 1.11 lakh. Additionally, 21% of enrolled students missed out on mid-day meals, with only 13.66 lakh students receiving them. The education ministry has urged Punjab officials to investigate the causes of these declines and implement corrective measures. A budget of ₹352 crore has been approved for the upcoming academic year to provide meals to 14.5 lakh students, including provisions for additional snacks once a week.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The decline in school enrolment and mid-day meal coverage could affect children's nutrition and education outcomes in Punjab.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think is the main reason for the decline in school enrolment in Punjab?
Connecting to poll...
More about Union Ministry of Education
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.