Maharashtra: 78.4 per cent schools in state now have computer facilities

Around 784 per cent of schools in Maharashtra now have computer facilities a survey report has statedIt said that a recent survey by the Pratham Education Foundation has shown that a significant percentage of schools in Maharashtra now have access to computer facilitiesAccording to the survey 784 per cent of schools in Maharashtra are equipped with computers marking a considerable step forward in the states educational infrastructureThe statement said that the survey which was conducted in rural areas found that 204 per cent of students are currently using computers in their studies However it also highlighted that 483 per cent of schools still lack computer facilities Despite this the overall data shows that computer facilities are available in a large number of schools across the stateIt further said that the survey revealed that girls have better access to sanitation facilities Around 968 per cent of schools provide clean toilets for girls as reported by the Department of School EducationThe survey covered 872 schools including 409 primary and 463 upper primary schools from rural areas While the total number of schools in Maharashtra is 108144 this survey included only 081 per cent of them Similarly the survey sampled just 016 per cent of the states total student population with 33746 students out of 20961800 students surveyed it saidIn terms of student progress the survey showed some encouraging trendsAmong children aged 6 to 14 609 per cent are enrolled in government schools while 385 per cent are attending private schools Notably students in classes 1 and 2 showed improvements in reading and mathematical skills These improvements are being seen as a recovery from the learning losses caused by the COVID19 pandemic the official statement saidThe survey indicated that there has been a 109 per cent increase in reading levels and a 131 per cent increase in mathematical abilities in government schools between 2022 and 2024 Private schools also showed progress with a 81 per cent improvement in reading and an 115 per cent increase in mathematics it saidMaharashtra ranks among the top five states in the country for improvement in students reading and math skills the statement saidMaharashtra has also made significant progress in terms of school enrollment As of 2024 98 per cent of children aged 15 to 16 are enrolled in school with one of the lowest rates of outofschool children in the countryThe state has maintained a school enrollment rate of over 99 per cent for children aged 6 to 14 for the past eight years it saidThe survey also highlighted the availability of digital toolsAmong students aged 14 to 16 942 per cent have access to smartphones with 841 per cent of them using smartphones for educational purposesThe state has also seen progress in early childhood education In 2024 95 per cent of children were enrolled in preprimary schools up from 939 per cent in 2022 The enrollment rate for 6 to 14yearolds has remained stable at over 99 per cent since 2018