Majority of Muslim children are still not attending schools. As per the first ever survey of Muslim enrolment in schools, out of every 100 children who got enrolled at the primary level (class 1-V) during 2006-07, Muslims comprised just 9.39 per cent. Even more, the number came further down to 7.52 per cent at upper primary level (V1-V111). This is despite the fact that Muslims comprise more than 13 per cent of the national population. The survey, conducted by the National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA) for HRD ministry, also shows that Muslims are lagging behind Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and other backward classes (OBCs) even it comes to when sending their children to schools.
The report, which comprises data from the 1.19 million recognised (government and private) schools imparting elementary education in 35 States and Union Territories, has collected data on Muslims for the first time. It tracks the progress of States towards universal elementary education at the primary and upper primary levels as well as the composite elementary level.