Centre flags rising school dropouts, urges states to act before 2030
Secondary school dropout rates in India remain a significant challenge, with several states experiencing higher-than-average figures. According to a report by a department of the Education Ministry, states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra show notable dropout percentages, prompting the central government to advocate for corrective measures. The report highlights the urgent need for intervention to address these alarming statistics.
Addressing the dropout rates
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 outlines a vision for a 100 per cent Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2030. However, dropout rates pose a substantial barrier to achieving this goal. For example, Karnataka's dropout rate at the secondary level stands at 22.1 per cent, significantly above the national average of 14.1 per cent. The central government has stressed the importance of states taking targeted actions to mitigate these rates and ensure educational continuity.
Proposed initiatives
As part of the efforts to address this issue, the Centre has recommended initiatives such as special enrolment drives. These would involve door-to-door surveys in school catchment areas to identify and enrol out-of-school children. The Project Approval Board (PAB) has highlighted the need for states to focus on these initiatives, especially in regions with acute dropout challenges. Effective implementation of these strategies is crucial for success.
Challenges in data reporting
In Bihar, the issue of dropout rates is compounded by what the report describes as "large variations" in data reporting, particularly on the PRABANDH portal. This inconsistency necessitates a more structured approach to ensure accurate identification and admission of out-of-school children. In line with this, the involvement of school management committees has been suggested to streamline processes.
Regional disparities
West Bengal, with an annual dropout rate of 17.87 per cent at the secondary level, has been advised to scrutinise the factors contributing to this statistic. Efforts to rectify data discrepancies and address underlying issues are deemed essential for improving enrolment rates. Similarly, other states have been encouraged to assess their specific dropout causes and adopt tailored strategies to combat them. Addressing these disparities is vital for achieving national educational goals.
With the overarching goal of achieving full enrolment by 2030, the central government stresses the urgency for states to take decisive steps. The Samagra Shiksha programme, aimed at holistic school development, reinforces this call by promoting educational inclusivity and quality improvement across all levels. The collaborative efforts of states and the central government are essential to realize these ambitions.
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