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11 Mar, 2014

Narendra Modi’s turf flops on education, health – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: One key issue in the upcoming general elections is state governments’ track record, with Gujarat receiving the most attention because it is BJP PM designate Narendra Modi’s biggest publicity plank. Gujarat’s economic growth, its prosperity and its efficient administration are being showcased across the country.

A closer look at two important aspects of people’s lives- education and health – shows up an unexpectedly dismal picture in Gujarat. Dropout rates in schools are unacceptably high at 58% compared to the national average of 49%. For dalits the dropout rate increases to 65% and for tribals, to 78%. Pupil-teacher ratios are higher than the national average, especially in senior classes – at intermediate levels there are 52 students for every teacher in Gujarat compared to the national average of 34.

Read the rest: Narendra Modi’s turf flops on education, health – The Times of India.