According to the recently released Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), Varanasi district in Uttar Pradesh boasts a commendable enrollment rate of 91.2 per cent among adolescents aged 14-18, surpassing the national average of 86.8 per cent. The survey, conducted in 28 districts across 26 states, involved 34,745 individuals in this age group. Notably, Varanasi and Hathras are the sole districts in UP included in the survey.
On the other hand, Hathras exhibits a concerning enrollment rate of 81.7 per cent, the lowest not only in northern India across all age brackets but also falling below the national average. The ASER 2023 report, titled “Beyond Basics,” is a comprehensive study led by Pratham Foundation, an education-focused non-profit organisation.
Focusing on rural India, the report sheds light on the educational status of adolescents aged 14 to 18, a demographic not covered since 2017 according to ASER. The findings reveal disparities in educational attainment, with Varanasi excelling in enrollment rates while Hathras faces challenges, coupled with insights into literacy levels among teens in these regions.