Central Idea

• All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2020-21 conducted by the Ministry of Education reveals the underrepresentation of Muslims in higher education compared to other communities.

What is the AISHE?

• To portray the status of higher education in the country, the Ministry of Education conducts an annual web-based AISHE since 2010-11.
• Data is collected on several parameters such as teachers, student enrolment, programmes, examination results, education finance and infrastructure.
• Indicators of educational development such as Institution Density, Gross Enrolment Ratio, Pupil-teacher ratio, Gender Parity Index, Per Student Expenditure will also be calculated from the data collected through AISHE.
• These are useful in making informed policy decisions and research for development of the education sector.

AISHE 2020-21 data on Minority Education

The survey highlights a decline in Muslim enrollment, potentially due to economic constraints and limited opportunities for pursuing higher education.

(1) Decline in Muslim Enrollment:

• Muslim enrollment in higher education declined by 8% in the 2020-21 academic year, while other marginalized communities experienced improved enrollment rates.
• Economic impoverishment forces talented Muslim students to prioritize earning opportunities after completing school, rather than pursuing higher education.
• Drastic declines were reported in UP (36%), J&K (26%), Maharashtra (8.5%), and TN (8.1%).
• Delhi witnessed a significant portion of Muslim students failing to enroll for higher education.

(2) Uttar Pradesh’s Low Enrollment Rate:

• Muslims constitute around 20% of the population in the state.
• Despite an increase in the number of colleges in UP, mere 4.5% Muslim enrollment is in higher education.

(3) Kerala’s Exceptional Performance:

• Kerala stands out as the only state where 43% of Muslims pursue higher education, bucking the trend of low enrollment.

(4) Female enrolment improving:

• Muslim and other minority communities exhibit higher female student enrollment than male students, indicating progress for women in minority communities.
• Male members of the Muslim community face pressure to earn a living early, potentially hindering their pursuit of higher education.

(5) Lack of Muslim Teachers:

• Muslim representation among teachers in higher education institutions is alarmingly low, comprising only 5.6%.
• General Category teachers account for 56%, while OBC, SC, and ST teachers make up 32%, 9%, and 2.5%, respectively.
• Gender disparities among teachers persist, with only 59 female Muslim teachers for every 100 male Muslim teachers.

Reasons for such low enrollment

• Religious influence: Certain societal and cultural norms within the Muslim community prioritize early marriage and family responsibilities over pursuing higher education, especially for female students.
• Economic Challenges: The Muslim community faces financial limitations that hinder their ability to afford higher education expenses, including tuition fees and accommodation.
• Lack of Awareness and Guidance: Many Muslim students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, lack information about available higher education opportunities, scholarships etc.
• Preferences for religious preachings: Many families prefer religious teachings at Madrasas over STEM education considering the acute competition and lack of reservation facilities.
• Stereotypes and Discrimination: Instances of religious discrimination and bias discourage Muslim students from pursuing higher education and create a sense of unwelcomeness in educational institutions.
• Socio-political Factors: Political decisions, policy changes, or the withdrawal of educational support programs can have a direct impact on the enrollment of Muslim students in higher education.

Schemes promoting Muslim education in India

• Maulana Azad National Fellowship: Provides scholarships for minority students pursuing M Phil and Ph D programs.
• National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC): Offers interest-free loans and scholarships to economically disadvantaged minority students.
• Nai Udaan Scheme: Provides free coaching and assistance for competitive exams to minority students.
• Seekho Aur Kamao (Learn and Earn) Scheme: Offers skill development and vocational training to enhance employability among minority students.
• Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes: Provides financial assistance for educational expenses to increase access to education for minority students.
• Bridge Courses and Remedial Coaching: Helps minority students bridge educational gaps and improve academic performance.

Way Forward

Following efforts should be made to address the declining enrollment of Muslim students in higher education:

• Providing scholarships and financial aid to economically disadvantaged Muslim students.
• Creating awareness programs to highlight the importance of higher education and its long-term benefits.
• Collaborating with community organizations to develop mentoring and support systems for Muslim students.
• Implementing policies that promote inclusive education and equal opportunities for all communities.
• Encouraging the recruitment and representation of Muslim teachers and non-teaching staff in higher education institutions.

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