The declining enrollment of Muslim students in higher education in Uttar Pradesh has been driven by factors such as the lack of quality education, inadequate facilities, and limited career opportunities within the state. According to the AISHE 2020-21 report, there was a remarkable 16% drop in Muslim student enrollment, decreasing from 3.57 lakh in 2019-20 to about 2.99 lakh in 2020-21.
Muslim students moving out of UP
In response to this concerning issue, the government has initiated various measures to encourage minority students in pursuing higher education. Scholarships and partnerships from the Ministry of Minority Affairs aim to increase their participation in higher education and enhance their employability.
Many Muslim students from Uttar Pradesh have opted to study in other states due to the lack of opportunities for a secure future in their home state. The absence of famous universities and colleges in certain fields, like MBA, forces them to move to other cities. This situation is not driven by state politics or religious differences but is based on the need for better educational and career roles.
For female Muslim students in Uttar Pradesh, the journey towards higher education is even more challenging. Societal and family pressure often demotivate women from pursuing advanced studies, leading to higher dropout rates after completing basic education till 12th grade. Concerns about the safety of women in the state also play an important role in parents’ decisions to send their daughters to other states for higher studies.
Uttar Pradesh has a significant Muslim population, accounting for nearly 20% of the total population as per Census 2011. The decreasing enrollment of Muslim students raises questions about the quality of education and available opportunities within the state.
To address this issue, it is crucial to focus on improving the standard of higher education institutions in Uttar Pradesh, providing better facilities, and creating more career opportunities. Additionally, promoting a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages both male and female students from the Muslim community to pursue higher education will be important for a major comeback of this concerning trend.
