Theory of Economic Development and Pain from Educational Status of Madhesh Province

In terms of literacy, according to the 2078 (2021) census, Nepal's overall literacy rate stands at 76.3%, with male literacy at 83.6% and female literacy at 69.4%. In comparison, the total literacy rate in the Madhesh Province is significantly lower at 63.5%, comprising 72.5% for males and 54.7% for females. Notably, among the five ethnic groups with the highest literacy rates nationwide, the top three are from Madhesh Province: Marwadi ranks first, followed by Kayastha and Dev. Conversely, in the list of the five ethnic groups with the lowest literacy rates, those residing in Madhesh Province include Musahar (35.8%), Dom (38.4%), Natua (41%), Chumwa/Nuri (42.3%), and Bin (47.2%). Among the eight districts with the lowest literacy rates in the country, seven are located in Madhesh Province. According to the national census of 2078 (2021), within the literate population of Madhesh Province, the highest percentage—33.0%—have completed grades 1 to 5. Those who have passed grades 6 to 8 make up 21.3%, while only 7.6% have achieved SLC (School Leaving Certificate) or equivalent qualifications. Additionally, 14.5% have completed education beyond SLC.The Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology's flash report for the fiscal year 2080/81 indicates that Madhesh Province has a gross enrollment rate of 94.6% for basic education (grades 1–8) and a gross enrollment rate of 51.3% for secondary education (grades 9–12). However, there is a high rate of repetition and dropout across all levels of school education. The province hosts a total of 4,669 schools, including 754 institutional schools. Among all enrolled children, approximately 21% in basic education and 16.4% in secondary education attend institutional schools.In Madhesh Province, there are about 182,818 children aged between 4 to 9 years, representing roughly 22% of that age group, while approximately 208,661 children aged between 10 to 17 years—about 21%—are out of school. Regarding technical education, there are currently technical programs operating in 91 community schools across Madhesh Province.For higher education, Madhesh Province is home to Rajarshi Janak University, Madhesh University, Madhesh Agricultural University, and Madhesh Health Science Institute, along with 123 affiliated and accredited campuses under various universities. The establishment of three regional higher educational institutions in Madhesh is notably higher compared to other provinces. However, there are currently no programs available at the postgraduate level (MPhil, PhD).This comprehensive overview highlights significant disparities in educational attainment and access within Nepal's various regions, particularly emphasizing the challenges faced by Madhesh Province in improving literacy rates and educational outcomes for its population.