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Progress in elementary level of education

PUDUCHERRY: Elementary level of education seems to have progressed in Puducherry with the Union Territory ranking first in the composite Educational Development Index (EDI) for the period 2007-2008.

The EDI, prepared by the National University of Educational Planning and Administration, Union Ministry of Human Resource Development, is aimed at assessing the status of elementary education — at primary and upper primary levels — across the country, according to officials of the Directorate of School Education.

“At the primary level of education, Puducherry ranks first with an EDI value of 0.799. The EDI for upper primary level of education is 0.816. Puducherry has emerged first in the composite EDI, both primary and upper primary levels, with 0.808 among all States and Union Territories in the country,” Director of School Education S. Sundaravadivelu said.

The report, which was released nearly three to four months ago, assessed the status of education based on 23 indicators grouped into four components of Access, Infrastructure, Teachers and Outcome, he said.

Puducherry was followed by Kerala (composite EDI of 0.791), Lakshadweep (EDI of 0.788), Delhi (EDI of 0.78) and Tamil Nadu (EDI of 0.771).

In 2005-2006, Puducherry obtained EDI of 0.651 at the primary level, securing the fourth rank. It took the second rank in the upper primary level with EDI value of 0.748. The composite EDI value for Puducherry was 0.700 and it bagged the overall fourth position.

However, the Union Territory managed to improve its primary education level in 2006-2007 with an EDI value of 0.761 and scaled up to the second rank.

At the upper primary level, Puducherry with an EDI value of 0.780 stood second in the list. It took the overall second position after securing a composite EDI value of 0.771.

“Basically, the problem was in the primary level of education. The performance in the upper primary level has been consistent over the years. We have improved the performance in the primary level and this reflects in the overall index for 2007-2008,” Mr. Sundaravadivelu said.

The indicators included percentage of habitations not served, availability of schools per 1,000 population, average student-classroom ratio, schools without drinking water facility, schools with common toilet, pupil-teacher ratio, teachers without professional qualification and dropout rate.

“We have improved our teacher strength. We are looking at scope for improvement to sustain the position. As part of this, funds to the tune of Rs.8.8 crore are available under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and we will construct additional classrooms at primary schools. For above primary level schools, we will construct more classrooms with funds from NABARD,” he said.

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