![ASER 2024 Ramesh Prabha explains ASER 2024 Ramesh Prabha explains](https://thefederal.com/h-upload/2025/01/28/508942-rameshlow.webp)
ASER 2024
ASER 2024 | Why Kerala, TN lead the pack: Ramesh Prabha explains
ASF 2024 reveals Kerala and Tamil Nadu's literacy success, while states like Bihar and UP lag. Can targeted reforms bridge India's educational divide?
The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER 2024) highlights remarkable strides in primary school enrolments across states, with Kerala and Tamil Nadu leading the way. However, the report also uncovers significant gaps in foundational literacy in states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Education expert Ramesh Prabha sheds light on what drives progress and addresses challenges ahead.
The secret behind Kerala and Tamil Nadu's success
Kerala and Tamil Nadu’s strong literacy performance stems from deeply rooted traditions valuing education. "In these states, even families from lower economic strata prioritize their children's schooling," notes Ramesh Prabha. Parents actively engage in their children’s education, with some even resigning from jobs to support academic milestones.
Government schools in these states outperform private ones, thanks to the dominance of vernacular mediums—Malayalam in Kerala and Tamil in Tamil Nadu. "Learning in the mother tongue ensures better understanding at the primary level," explains Prabha. Post-pandemic economic challenges have also driven a shift from private to government schools, further boosting their enrolment and quality.
Why Bihar and Uttar Pradesh lag
Bihar and Uttar Pradesh face stark challenges in foundational literacy. Prabha points out, "In Bihar, 8.6 per cent of children aged 15-16 are not enrolled in school, and the figure rises to 13 per cent in UP." Attendance is another concern, with only 55.2 per cent of enrolled students regularly attending classes in Bihar, compared to Tamil Nadu’s 88.8 per cent.
Classroom-teacher ratios and access to learning tools also highlight disparities. For example, only 16.5 per cent of Bihar's schools offer computer access, compared to 70.2 per cent in Kerala. "Improving facilities and teacher accountability is crucial," adds Prabha.
Also read: LIVE | ASER 2024 shows post-COVID recovery in learning; enrolment down
Can technology bridge the gap?
While technology plays a supportive role in education, Prabha believes it cannot replace traditional classroom teaching, especially in rural areas. "The digital divide is still a challenge," he says. Teachers in physical classrooms can tailor instruction based on students' abilities, a flexibility that technology lacks. However, digital tools like tablets loaded with educational content are beginning to enhance learning experiences.
Future challenges for Indian education
The implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 remains a key hurdle. Prabha emphasizes the need for consensus between state and central governments. He notes, "Standardizing education could remove disparities, but states must adopt NEP on their own terms."
Vocational and skill-based education is another area requiring urgent focus. "We have a surplus of engineers but a shortage of electricians and plumbers," Prabha highlights, stressing the need to prioritize practical skills over traditional academics.
Smartphones and education: A double-edged sword
While smartphones are increasingly integrated into education, concerns about misuse persist. States such as Tamil Nadu, with affordable data plans, see high adoption rates even in rural areas. "If used wisely, smartphones and tablets can revolutionize learning," says Prabha, citing examples of digital literacy initiatives already underway.
ASER 2024 sheds light on India's educational divide, with Kerala and Tamil Nadu setting benchmarks and Bihar and UP requiring targeted interventions. As India navigates this transformation, collaboration between governments, educators, and technology will be vital to creating a more equitable future.
The content above has been generated using a fine-tuned AI model. To ensure accuracy, quality, and editorial integrity, we employ a Human-In-The-Loop (HITL) process. While AI assists in creating the initial draft, our experienced editorial team carefully reviews, edits, and refines the content before publication. At The Federal, we combine the efficiency of AI with the expertise of human editors to deliver reliable and insightful journalism.