Education

The Department of Education in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep manages and oversees school and higher education across the islands. It operates a network of 32 government schools and 4 collages spread across 10 inhabited islands, comprising:

• 14 Junior Basic Schools
• 9 Senior Basic Schools  
• 9 Senior Secondary Schools

In the last academic year 2024-25, 11,761 students were enrolled from pre-school to Class 12.

 Achievements

A. School Education

• • All classrooms converted into smart classrooms, making Lakshadweep the first UT/state in India to achieve full digital coverage.
  • Internet connectivity established in all schools.
  • Distribution of tablets to teachers for improved teaching delivery.
  • Modern school uniforms introduced, including tie, belt, and shoes.
  • Renovation of all school buildings and improved infrastructure across islands.
  • Construction of new school buildings underway on three islands.
  • Model Schools established at Androth and Minicoy with advanced facilities.
  • Atal Tinkering Lab set up at PMSHRI GSSS Kavaratti to promote STEM and innovation.
  • Implementation of VSK and NIELIT digital courses to develop IT and job-ready skills.
  • Upgraded mid-day meal scheme for better nutrition.

B. Teacher Development

• • 380 teachers trained through renowned institutions like:
  • British Council
  • Indian Institute of Science
  • English and Foreign Language University
  • Regional Institute of English (South India), Bangalore

C. Higher Education

• • Establishment of full-fledged institutions including:
    • Arts and Science Colleges at Androth and Kadmat
    • College of Education at Kadmat
    • Polytechnic College at Minicoy
  • Provision of laptops to college students to support digital learning.

Impact

These developments have significantly raised the standard of education—both at the school and higher education levels—across Lakshadweep. The administration’s focus on infrastructure, technology, skill development, and teacher training has created a modern, inclusive, and forward-looking education system in the islands.

Key Function 

1. Policy Formulation

• • Implements educational policies for all government‑run schools/collages across the inhabited islands.
  • Oversees major reforms—

2. Teacher Training & Capacity Building

• • Manages teacher training programs—including Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.)—through the Union Territory’s District Institute for Education & Training (DIET) located in Kavaratti.
  • Provides professional development to enhance teaching effectiveness and pedagogical standards.

3. School Administration & Oversight

• • Oversees administration of all 32 government schools and 4 colleges in Lakshadweep, covering enrolment, staffing, and infrastructure.

4. Monitoring & Assessment

• • Tracks and reports key data:
  • Monitors transition timelines, curriculum status, and grievance statistics for transparency and improvement.

5. Inclusive Education

• • Initiates programs for children with special needs

6. Vision, Standards & Institutional Mission

• • Articulates a learner‑centric vision: nurturing Islanders to realize their potential in a child-friendly, gender-sensitive, culturally rooted environment, supported by teachers and administrators.
  • Functions as a steward of educational quality and equity across the Union Territory.

Schemes

1. Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SMSA) & PM SHRI Schools

     A centrally sponsored scheme that integrates all flagship programs of the Ministry of Education under one umbrella.

1. 1. Focuses on universal access, equity, quality education, and strengthening of school infrastructure.
   2. Selected schools under the PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) initiative are being developed as model institutions with modern facilities, technology integration, and holistic learning environments.
2. PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Scheme)

    A joint initiative of the Central and UT Administration, aimed at providing nutritious mid-day meals to students from pre-school to Class 8.

1. 1. Currently, 8,953 students are benefiting from this scheme across Lakshadweep.
   2. The menu has been revamped to ensure better nutrition and local food integration, supporting student health and school attendance.

3.Scholarship Schemes

   Scholarships are provided to eligible students through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).