A study submitted to the Sixteenth Finance Commission reveals declining productivity in Tripura’s school education sector despite efficient resource utilization. The report highlights inadequate technological advancement as a key concern and recommends strategic reforms, including digital infrastructure, smart classrooms, teacher training, and improved school facilities to enhance learning outcomes.
A comprehensive study submitted to the Sixteenth Finance Commission has raised concerns over declining productivity in Tripura’s school education sector, despite the state maintaining efficient utilization of available financial resources. The report emphasizes the need for strategic reforms and greater technological advancement to improve learning outcomes and strengthen the effectiveness of public expenditure in education.
The study, titled as an assessment of the finances of the Government of Tripura, was prepared by Prof. Subhrabaran Das of Tripura University along with Kiran Bhowmik, Research Associate, and Srijan Debnath, Research Assistant. The researchers analyzed the performance of the School Education Department over a ten-year period from 2013-14 to 2023-24.
To evaluate educational performance, the researchers employed the Malmquist Total Factor Productivity (TFP) Index, a widely recognized tool used to measure productivity changes over time. The assessment considered the number of successful students in Classes X and XII, overall student enrolment, and Mid-Day Meal coverage as output indicators. Expenditure utilization by the department was treated as the primary input variable.
According to the findings, the School Education Department consistently achieved a technical efficiency score of 1.00 throughout the study period. This indicates that the department effectively utilized the financial resources allocated to it and maintained stable managerial performance. The report notes that there was no significant deterioration in resource management or expenditure efficiency during the decade under review.
However, the study identified a major concern regarding technological progress within the education system. Researchers found that technological change remained below the benchmark level in most years, with the exception of 2020-21. This suggests that innovation, modernization, and the adoption of advanced educational technologies have not kept pace with the evolving demands of the sector.
The report further revealed that the average Total Factor Productivity Change (TFPCH) stood at 0.923, significantly below the benchmark value of one. Such a figure indicates an overall decline in educational productivity during the study period. While productivity gains were recorded in 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23, most of the remaining years witnessed productivity losses.
Researchers concluded that the decline in productivity was driven largely by inadequate technological advancement rather than inefficiencies in financial management. The findings suggest that while available resources are being used efficiently, the education system requires substantial modernization to achieve better outcomes.
To address these challenges, the report recommends increased investment in digital infrastructure, smart classrooms, teacher training programs, modern learning technologies, improved student-teacher ratios, and stronger school infrastructure. Such measures, the researchers argue, would help create a more dynamic and effective learning environment for students across the state.
The study is expected to serve as an important reference for policymakers and government authorities in shaping future educational reforms and budgetary priorities. By focusing on technology-driven improvements and strengthening institutional capacity, Tripura can enhance educational productivity, improve student performance, and ensure better returns on public investment in school education.
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The findings come at a crucial time as governments across the country seek to improve learning standards and modernize educational systems. For Tripura, the report offers a roadmap for sustainable reforms aimed at building a more resilient, innovative, and outcome-oriented school education sector in the years ahead.
