Government schools in Himachal Pradesh have witnessed a decline of one lakh students over three years, according to data comparing 2022-23 with 2024-25. During this period, 57,290 boys and 46,368 girls left government schools to take admission in private institutions. According to the Statistical Year Book 2024-25 released by the Chief Minister at the State Secretariat recently, the enrollment and teacher data reveals a troubling trend.
| Category | 2022-23 | 2024-25 | Decline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Students | 8,09,000 | 7,05,342 | 1,03,658 |
| Boys | – | – | 57,290 |
| Girls | – | – | 46,368 |
| Teachers (2020-21 to 2024-25) | 66,402 | 65,703 | 699 |
The number of students taking admission in private institutions has been continuously increasing over the past three years in the state. Better English medium instruction, modern teaching methods, and rising parental expectations are being cited as the primary reasons behind this trend. This tendency is more evident in urban districts like Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, and Solan, while private schools are gradually strengthening their hold in rural areas as well. Lack of basic facilities in government schools, teacher absenteeism, and absence of competitive environment are pushing children and parents toward private schools.
The state government now needs to work toward digital and skill-based educational reforms in line with the new education policy. The Statistical Year Book also reveals that the biggest decline in student numbers has been recorded in rural areas. Due to student numbers falling below 20 in small schools, there is a situation of school mergers or closures in many places.
Interestingly, despite the significant decline in student numbers, teacher strength has decreased by only 699. While the total number of teachers was 66,402 in 2020-21, it has reduced to 65,703 by 2024-25, raising questions about teacher-student ratios and resource allocation.
Director of School Education Ashish Kohli stated that the government is making efforts to increase enrollment in schools. CBSE curriculum will be taught in 100 schools from the new academic session, which will increase enrollment. Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools are being established, and all modern facilities will be provided in these schools. Teaching English curriculum has been made mandatory in all schools. He added that positive results of all these efforts will be visible soon.
