Kerala Ranks Highest In Literacy, Last In Dropouts

The average rate for all districts is just 0.53%, apart from Wayanad district with drop out rate which is a bit over to 1%. According to the report, Kerala has 12,644 schools out of which 4,620 are Government-run, 7,761 aided and 863 unaided schools. The Muslim district of Malappuram has the maximum number of schools at 1,427.

The study also revealed that the total number of teachers dropped to 1, 66,939 in 2011-12 from 1, 68,062 in 2010-11. The percentage of female teachers remained at 71.5%. Also, the pass percentage of students in 2011-12 rose to 88% from 82% in 2010-11.

As per the report, with regard to facilities, 99% of the schools have access to drinking water while 99.7 % have urinal/latrine facilities. However, 162 government schools did not have their own buildings.

Funds allocated to school education sector have risen from Rs 189 crore in the 10th plan to Rs. 712 crore in the 11th plan. Also, Rs. 581 crore for the improvement school infrastructure as well as for academic and student-centric programs will be set aside as per a proposal by the finance minister KM Mani, announced during the presentation of the state budget.

A note of caution was issued by the SPB which advised the state to concentrate on second generation reforms and not rest based on its present achievements. The reforms would ensure that higher education in the state is in line with global employment opportunities.