FAQs on Children Dropped out between 2022-23 & 2023-24
What is the definition of a “dropped-out child”?
- A dropped-out child was previously enrolled in school but discontinued their education before completing the educational stage to which they were admitted without transferring to another institution.
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How many children dropped out between 2021-22 and 2022-23?
- Between 2021-22 and 2022-23, 9.5 million children dropped out at the primary level, while 5.4 million exited at the upper primary level, totalling 14.91 million children dropping out at the elementary level.
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How do dropout trends differ between boys and girls?
- Boys consistently accounted for a higher share of dropouts than girls at both primary and upper primary levels. For example, in 2023-24, boys comprised 57.7% of primary-level dropouts and 51.3% at the upper primary level, compared to 42.8% and 48.7% for girls, respectively.
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Why are dropout rates higher among boys than girls?
- Socio-economic factors, such as boys being more likely to enter the labour force to support their families, contribute to higher dropout rates. Additionally, early marriages for girls and societal expectations often create unique challenges for female students, even though boys generally face a higher dropout rate.
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What are the main reasons behind the high dropout rates?
- Key reasons include:
- Economic constraints: Many children, especially boys, drop out due to poverty, forcing them to work.
- Social barriers: Early marriage for girls and societal norms.
- Institutional gaps: Lack of basic infrastructure like toilets, safe transport, and quality teaching.
- Learning loss: The pandemic’s aftermath has exacerbated students’ disengagement and frustration.
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How has UDISEPlus data helped understand dropout trends?
- UDISEPlus provides reliable data to track enrolments and dropouts. The recent transition to individual student data collection under SDMIS has helped improve the accuracy of dropout figures, though challenges remain in fully understanding the reasons for and magnitude of dropouts.
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How can Samagra Shiksha help reduce dropouts?
- Samagra Shiksha focuses on a multifaceted approach, such as:
- Remedial education programs to address learning gaps.
- Incentives like scholarships, mid-day meals, and stipends to ease financial burdens.
- Infrastructure improvements to ensure gender-sensitive and safe school environments.
- Community engagement and strengthening School Management Committees (SMCs) to monitor attendance and dropout prevention.
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What role does the Government play in addressing dropouts?
- The Government plays a critical role through policies like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Samagra Shiksha, and SDG4 initiatives. It needs to support targeted interventions, strengthen data collection systems like UDISEPlus, and promote awareness campaigns to ensure children, particularly from marginalized communities, stay in school.
- How do high dropout rates affect India’s development?
- High dropout rates hinder the country’s ability to build a skilled workforce, negatively affecting socio-economic growth. It perpetuates cycles of poverty and impedes efforts toward achieving universal education as outlined in NEP 2020 and SDG4.
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How can policymakers effectively address the dropout issue?
- Policymakers should conduct detailed studies to understand the region-specific causes of dropouts and develop evidence-based, localized interventions. Strengthening data systems like UDISEPlus and providing financial support to vulnerable families are essential steps in addressing the issue.
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What role does data collection play in addressing the dropout crisis?
- Accurate and real-time data, such as that provided by UDISEPlus, enables authorities to track student attendance, identify at-risk students, and intervene early. It also helps policymakers to allocate resources effectively, target high-risk areas, and tailor solutions to local needs.
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What strategies should be adopted to tackle dropout rates in specific communities?
- Solutions should include:
- Targeted financial support in areas with high poverty rates.
- Cultural awareness campaigns to address social barriers like early marriage.
- Improved school infrastructure to make schools more accessible and safe, especially for girls.
- Strengthened community and parental engagement to ensure that education is seen as a priority.
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