The World Bank has approved a $300 million loan to improve the quality of education in Chhattisgarh's government-run schools. The loan has a maturity length of 18.5 years, including a five-year grace period. According to an official statement from the International Monetary Fund, the project's goal is to aid about four million pupils, primarily from disadvantaged and marginalised groups inside the state. 

Approximately 86% of the state's schools are run by the government. While enrollment in elementary schools is 95%, it declines dramatically to 57.6% in senior secondary schools. Furthermore, the enrollment rate for boys is 10.8% lower than for girls. According to the statement, the World Bank blames these disparities to a lack of science and commerce education in many senior secondary schools, as well as a paucity of skilled science and mathematics teachers.

Insufficient infrastructure, including the lack of laboratories and facilities, has also been identified as a contributing factor to low enrolment rates. Additionally, students from remote areas face difficulties in finding suitable accommodation. The World Bank highlighted that while girls have access to residential school facilities through the centrally sponsored Samagra Shiksha program, there is no equivalent scheme available for boys, it added.

To address these difficulties, the authorised project intends to develop and administer 600 model composite schools for grades 1st through 12th. At the senior secondary level, these schools will focus on science and commerce education. The project's goal is to deliver high-quality education through well-trained teachers, competent school leadership and management, and enough infrastructure. According to Auguste Tano Kouame, World Bank Country Director in India, the project will assist the expansion of government-managed schools delivering scientific and commerce education at the senior secondary level.

Kouame further emphasised that the project will effectively equip students to take advantage of the emerging employment opportunities in Chhattisgarh’s rapidly growing manufacturing and services sectors. As part of the initiative, over 175,000 teachers are expected to receive professional development support to enhance their skills and capabilities.