The Gujarat government in India has reinstated a policy that ties financial grants for aided secondary and higher secondary schools to student attendance levels, a move announced today. Under the new guidelines from the state education department, schools in urban areas must achieve an average attendance rate of at least 80%, while rural schools must maintain 55% attendance, to receive full funding support.
The policy was previously suspended for two years but has now been revived amid growing concerns over declining student presence in classrooms. Officials say the updated attendance requirements aim to reinforce accountability among school administrations and ensure that public funds are directly linked to actual student engagement and learning.
Under the new framework, schools that fail to meet the minimum attendance targets will face graduated cuts to government grants, ranging from a 25% reduction to complete withdrawal of funds for the lowest-performing institutions. Education authorities have emphasized that the measures will affect Classes 9 to 12 across all aided schools, including minority‑run institutions.
School leaders and parent associations have expressed mixed reactions to the policy. Some support the move, saying it promotes discipline and prioritizes learning, while others warn that it may penalize schools dealing with broader social challenges affecting attendance, such as economic hardship or transport issues in rural communities.
The government has stated that the decision is part of a broader effort to boost education quality and strengthen school systems after pandemic‑related disruptions. Officials also noted that along with attendance norms, there will be increased monitoring and support to help schools meet the new benchmarks.
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