Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, May 28: The Union Education Ministry has directed the Goa government to examine the reasons behind the decline in student enrolment in schools after the State recorded a drop in admissions for the academic year 2025-26.
The observation was made by the Project Approval Board (PAB) during a recent meeting held to review the annual work plan and budget under the PM-POSHAN scheme for the financial year 2026-27.
According to official data, the total student enrolment in Goa declined marginally by 374 students, dropping from 1,61,643 in 2024-25 to 1,61,269 in 2025-26, registering a fall of 0.2 per cent.
The decline was mainly seen in the Primary and Upper Primary sections. Primary enrolment fell by 582 students from 92,501 to 91,919, while Upper Primary enrolment dropped by 628 students from 66,571 to 65,943.
However, Bal Vatika enrolment witnessed a significant rise. The number of students increased by 836, from 2,571 to 3,407, marking a sharp 32.5 per cent growth.
Despite the fall in overall enrolment, the Ministry appreciated Goa for improving student coverage under the PM-POSHAN mid-day meal scheme, especially in Bal Vatika and Primary classes.
Average student coverage under the scheme increased from 1,56,947 to 1,58,358, reflecting an addition of 1,411 students and a rise of 0.9 per cent.
Coverage in Bal Vatika increased by 820 students, while Primary coverage rose by 1,111 students. However, Upper Primary coverage declined by 520 students, reducing from 64,801 to 64,281.
“The PAB advised the State to ascertain the reasons for the decline in enrolment and average coverage in Upper Primary classes and take corrective measures,” the Board stated.
The Centre’s observation comes amid concerns over declining student strength in higher classes despite improvements in access and welfare coverage.
For the current academic year, the Board has approved mid-day meal supply for 1,58,358 students compared to 1,56,947 students last year.
The Board also instructed the State government to ensure 100 per cent Aadhaar authentication of students through biometric verification and regularly update records on the MIS portal every month. Authorities stated that Aadhaar enrolment currently stands at around 99 per cent.