MP's Education Gap: 75% Parents Unaware Of PTAs

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Only 43% of schools in Madhya Pradesh have active Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), and less than 40% of these conduct meetings regularly. Furthermore, just 25% of parents are aware of PTAs in their children’s schools, while attendance in PTA meetings stands at less than 1%.

This was highlighted in a ground-level report of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Madhya Pradesh, conducted by Samarthan Centre.

Under the Madhya Pradesh Jan Shiksha Niyam, 2003, schools are mandated to form PTAs that meet monthly and include broad community representation.

However, recent assessments show only 0.81% of parents attended PTA meetings in the previous six months, with less than 27% aware that such associations exist in the schools.

National education programmes emphasise parental involvement through PTAs and School Management Committees (SMCs). Yet, evaluations report that only half of the parents are aware of such bodies and less than 20% actively participate in their meetings.

Why strengthening parent-school collaboration is necessary

CBSE Coordinator UK Jha said “Effective collaboration between parents and schools plays a crucial role in enhancing student learning, attendance and overall development. Research shows that students perform better academically and socially when parents are actively involved. This bridges the gap between home and school, creating a supportive ecosystem for children.”

UK Jha

A school principal Geeta Taneja said “In Madhya Pradesh, where many schools serve rural and marginalized communities, the need for parents’ engagement is especially urgent. Low literacy levels, economic hardships and lack of awareness limit participation, impacting the children’s motivation, discipline and access to resources.”

School principal Bhavna Pujari said “Parents who understand curricula and policies can better support their children at home and advocate for systemic improvements. Their feedback can improve teaching quality, infrastructure and student welfare, making schools more accountable and responsive.”

Bhavna Pujari

School principal Suja Mathews said “Strong parent-school partnerships help reduce dropout rates, improve attendance and identify students in need of support early. These efforts boost not just academic performance but also emotional and psychological well-being.”

Suja Mathews

CBSE to host webinar on strengthening parent-school collaboration

CBSE will conduct a webinar for principals and heads of schools titled “Strengthening Parent-School Collaboration: Existing Practices” on Tuesday from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The expert panel includes Anuradha Joshi, Rekha Krishnan and Minakshi Kushwaha, who will discuss best practices in parental engagement, communication and inclusive strategies.