Alarming figures highlight sorry state of educational landscape in Odisha

A recent statistics has exposed significant challenges in the educational landscape in Odisha, with startling figures indicating that a majority of eighth-grade students struggle with foundational arithmetic skills.

In a written reply to a question in the State Legislative Assembly on Friday, Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond revealed that 68.5% of students are unable to perform basic subtraction and 45.5% face difficulties with division.

Meanwhile, the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) has further brought to light a concerning downward trend. 

In 2014, 64.4% of students demonstrated inability to subtract, which has worsened to 69.5% by 2024. Similarly, the number of students proficient in division dropped from 37.9% in 2014 to 45.8% in 2024.

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In addition to educational challenges, the reply by the Minister highlights a severe lack of infrastructure in schools. It was found that as many as 415 primary schools, 115 upper primary schools, and 25 high schools are devoid of toilet facilities for girl students. 

In response to these pressing issues, the State government has allocated funds for the construction of 724 girls’ toilets during the 2024-25 fiscal year, as informed in Gond’s written statement.

The Odisha Assembly on Friday witnessed uproar by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress MLAs over farmers and other issues. Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House till 12 pm and again till 4 pm due to the ruckus.