LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh is home to 1.11 crore ‘ghost’ students, reveals a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General. The state government’s household survey puts the number of children identified in government-run

in UP at 11.88 crore during 2011 and 2016, while figures by District Information System of Education (at central level) show there are 12.99 crore children enrolled in schools.

refer to those never identified but listed as enrolled.

In 2011-12, there were 24.62 lakh ghost students. The number increased to 24.93 lakh in 2012-13. Subsequently, in 2013-14 and 2014-15, the number of students enrolled was 20.43 lakh and 21.63 lakh, respectively, more than those identified. The least number of ghost students, 19.31 lakh, was reported in 2015-16. Put together, the number stands at 1.11 crore.

The huge figures were even endorsed in the sample survey done by

in 16 districts. Except in Gorakhpur, Kanpur Dehat and Maharajganj, in all 13 sample districts, the number of students enrolled in primary schools was far more than those identified. In

, the precentage of students enrolled is 52% higher than those identified. Here, 13.37 lakh students were identified but 20.53 lakh were listed as enrolled. Firozabad and Sonhebhadra too show high number of ghost students, by 23% and 18%, respectively. Other districts in the survey were Unnao, Bahraich, Farukkhabad, Ghaziabad, Ghazipur, Jhansi, Lakhimpur, Mau, Pilibhit, and Sultanpur.

CAG reports state government admitted higher enrolment in schools than the actual number. The CAG stated, either the household survey was presumptive or the DISE statistics were highly exaggerated. To escape the situation, CAG suggested to provide a unique identification number to each student so that they may be tracked. Efforts are being made to provide UID to students, reported the government and also said DISE figures were beign rectified for a clear picture.

The CAG also recommended for effective monitoring of students enrolled, the dropouts and those who complete primary education as stated in the Right to Education Act (RTE).