Kerala, India’s education frontrunner, now faces enrolment dip and politicisation

Kerala's educational achievements, including near-total literacy and a strong higher education network, stem from a long legacy of state interventions, Christian missionaries, and social reform movements. The state's journey began in the 1800s with the establishment of schools and colleges by princely states like Travancore and Cochin, which were later joined by missionary initiatives and private institutions. The Kerala Education Bill of 1957 aimed to regulate private educational institutions, while the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act of 2010 ensured universal access to education. The state has made significant strides in recent years with the Public Education Rejuvenation Mission, which focused on improving infrastructure, enhancing teacher training, and promoting digital learning. The Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology was established in 2020, making it the country's first digital university.