The inaugural Nipun Census Assessment for Haryana has delivered a stark verdict on the state of foundational learning in its primary schools. The large-scale evaluation, which covered 8,646 primary schools, revealed that a vast majority of students in Classes 2 and 3 are struggling with basic reading and mathematics skills.
Alarming Results: A Statewide Learning Gap
The assessment, conducted on September 15 and 16 using the dedicated Nipun Teacher App, placed schools into three categories based on student performance. The results were deeply concerning. A mere 621 schools, or just 7% of those assessed, achieved Category A status. In stark contrast, a overwhelming 6,385 schools, accounting for 74%, were relegated to Category C, indicating critical learning deficiencies.
To be classified as 'nipun' (proficient), a child must clear all defined competencies in both Hindi and mathematics. For Class 2, this includes identifying letters, reading words and sentences, recognising numbers up to 99, and performing single-digit addition and subtraction. Class 3 students must read at 45 words per minute and solve double-digit sums, with and without carry. Failing even one skill leads to disqualification from the 'nipun' status.
A school is placed in Category A if over 75% of its assessed students are 'nipun'. Category B requires 50-75% proficiency, and schools with fewer than 50% proficient students fall into Category C.
Gurgaon and Nuh: Microcosms of a Larger Crisis
The district-wise data paints a grim picture at the local level. In Gurgaon, only 12 out of 365 assessed schools made it to Category A, while a massive 291 schools were in Category C. Among the worst performers, five schools were from Sohna, two each from Gurgaon and Farrukh Nagar, and one from Pataudi.
However, the situation appears most critical in Nuh district. There, 501 out of 504 assessed primary schools were classified under Category C. Only three schools—two in Nuh block and one in Tauru—managed to reach Category B, with none qualifying for the top Category A bracket.
Official Explanations and Parental Wake-Up Call
Officials have cited several systemic challenges. Manoj Lakra, the district coordinator for the Nipun Haryana Mission in Gurgaon, explained that results were calculated based on total enrolment, not just appearing students. He pointed to high family migration, seasonal labour movement, and festival-related absenteeism (including during Chhath Puja) as key factors affecting attendance and outcomes.
In Nuh, Kusum Malik, the district mission coordinator, attributed the poor results to foundational gaps accumulated over years. She highlighted the absence of a permanent district education officer for nearly a year, persistent shortages of teachers and academic mentors, and chronically low attendance that often dips to 40-45% in many schools.
For parents, the findings have served as a sudden alert. A mother of a Class 3 student from Sohna shared that her child's report cards never raised alarms, leading the family to assume satisfactory progress. "Only now do we realise he struggles to read full sentences," she admitted. Another parent from Farrukh Nagar emphasised the need for clearer communication from schools. "Schools must clearly tell parents what children are expected to learn at each level. Without that, gaps go unnoticed," the parent stated.
Despite the sobering data, officials assert that corrective measures are underway. Academic monitoring and classroom support have been intensified, particularly in blocks with the highest concentration of underperforming schools. The Nipun Census, while revealing a deep crisis, is now the benchmark against which Haryana's efforts to bridge the foundational learning divide will be measured.
