NEW DELHI: For the
second year in a row, Puducherry is the number one state in
terms of Educational Development Index (EDI) at the elementary
level (class I to VII/VIII), followed by Lakshadweep and Kerala.
Kerala has made remarkable progress in primary education
moving up from ninth position in 2008-09 to third in 2009-10.
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands has moved from seventh to fourth
slot, while Tamil Nadu continues to hold on to its fifth
position.
Chandigarh, too, is a success story sixth in 2009-10 from 10th
in 2008-09. Punjab is at number seven, and Delhi for the
second year in succession is at eighth position. EDI is
prepared by National University for Educational Planning &
Administration.
Hindi heartland states Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
Rajasthan and West Bengal are at the bottom of the heap.
Despite massive investment in elementary education, Bihar
continues to bring out the rear. "The last five years were spent
in overcoming the historical shortcomings. In the next few
years, Bihar will catch up with performing states," an official
said.
EDI is prepared after taking into account four components
access, infrastructure, teachers and outcomes. In case of
access, the two important factors were looked into
availability of schools per 1,000 child population and ratio of
primary to upper primary schools. Access-wise, northeast states
are on top. Arunachal Pradesh holds number one position at
primary level, and Mizoram at upper primary level. Jammu &
Kashmir is number two at primary level, followed by Gujarat at
upper primary level.
In case of infrastructure, four factors were looked into
schools with student-classroom ratio of more than 40, schools
with drinking water facility, common toilet and girls toilet.
Punjab has the best infrastructure at the primary level,
followed by Puducherry and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. At
upper primary level, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands tops in terms
of infrastructure. Punjab is at second position, followed by
Sikkim.