Reintegrating Out-of-School Children into Education Systems

Reintegrating Out-of-School Children into Education Systems

Reintegrating Out-of-School Children into Education Systems in India

The challenge of out-of-school children (OOSC) in India hinders universal education, as mandated by the Right to Education Act (RTE), 2009, ensuring free and compulsory education for ages 6–14. This article analyzes state-specific initiatives in Delhi and Jharkhand, integrates UDISEPlus 2023-24 data, and explores scalable strategies for reintegration, aligning with NEP 2020’s goal of universal enrollment by 2030.

Introduction

The challenge of out-of-school children (OOSC) in India remains a critical barrier to achieving universal education, as mandated by the Right to Education Act (RTE), 2009, which ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14. Despite progress, socio-economic factors like poverty, migration, and disability exclude millions from formal schooling. States like Delhi and Jharkhand have implemented targeted Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to identify, enroll, and reintegrate OOSC, offering scalable models for educational inclusion. This article analyzes these initiatives, integrates recent UDISEPlus 2023-24 data on OOSC, highlights states with high OOSC populations, and explores implications for other states, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s goal of universal enrollment by 2030.

State-Specific Initiatives

Delhi’s Samagra Shiksha SOP

On May 1, 2025, Delhi’s Samagra Shiksha program, under the education department, issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to reintegrate OOSC into government schools Times of India, 2025. The SOP mandates biannual surveys during summer and winter vacations, targeting high-risk areas like Mangolpuri, Janakpuri, Nangloi, and North East Delhi. Survey teams, including special education teachers, prioritize children with special needs (CWSN), ensuring inclusion up to age 18 for those with benchmark disabilities. Enrollment is streamlined with minimal documentation, allowing provisional admission within three working days based on a handwritten undertaking. Schools provide documentation support and deploy special training centers for bridge education. In the 2023–24 academic session, Delhi identified 41,201 OOSC, up from 29,711 in 2021–22, highlighting the need for sustained efforts Times of India, 2025.

Jharkhand’s “Back to School” Campaign (Ruar-2025)

Launched on April 25, 2025, Jharkhand’s Ruar-2025 campaign aims to enroll 59,094 OOSC by May 10, 2025, as identified in the Shishu Panji survey Times of India, 2025. The campaign targets dropouts (24,649) and never-enrolled children (18,601), with Deoghar (7,993) and Dumka (7,247) as hotspots. It involves headmasters, Anganwadi centers, school management committees (SMCs), and panchayat representatives. Initiatives like “No Bag Day” and welcome ceremonies foster community engagement. The Jharkhand Education Project Council ensures systemic coordination for universal enrollment.

Complementary Initiatives

Gujarat emphasizes SMC engagement, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel mobilizing 4.25 lakh SMC members to monitor attendance and infrastructure Times of India, 2025. Uttar Pradesh focuses on teacher training in early childhood care, digital education, and leadership Times of India, 2025. Tamil Nadu plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its government school curriculum, supported by high-tech labs in 6,029 higher secondary schools DT Next, 2025. These efforts enhance school environments, indirectly supporting OOSC reintegration.

Estimated Number of Out-of-School Children (UDISEPlus Data)

According to UDISEPlus 2023-24 data, approximately 47.44 million children aged 6–17 are out of school in India, representing 16.8% of this age group Education for All in India, 2025. This includes never-enrolled children, dropouts, and irregular attendees, as reported on December 30, 2024, by the Ministry of Education. Earlier, UDISEPlus 2021-22 estimated 27.11 million OOSC, down from 31.48 million in 2020-21, though data discrepancies raise reliability concerns Education for All in India, 2023. A 2024–25 Lok Sabha estimate reported 1.17 million OOSC, likely focusing on a narrower age group (6–13), highlighting methodological variations India Today, 2024. These figures underscore challenges in achieving NEP 2020’s universal enrollment goals.

States with High Numbers of OOSC

    • Uttar Pradesh: Contributes approximately 33.4% of national OOSC in the 6–13 age group, with 784,228 OOSC in 2024–25, driven by high population density, poverty, and limited school coverage. Note: The 33.4% figure requires further verification.

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    • Bihar: Accounts for 25% .
    • Jharkhand: Reports 59,094 OOSC in 2025, with Deoghar (7,993) and Dumka (7,247) as hotspots, driven by socio-economic disparities .
    • Delhi: Identified 41,201 OOSC in 2023–24, with urban migration and informal settlements increasing vulnerability.

[](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/biannual-survey-on-the-spot-admission-sop-to-bring-out-of-school-children-back-into-education-system/articleshow/120858154.cms)

  • Other States: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal show elevated OOSC numbers due to economic hardship and infrastructural gaps.

Implications for Other States

The SOPs in Delhi and Jharkhand offer replicable strategies for other states, with key implications:

    1. Data-Driven Identification: Delhi’s biannual surveys and Jharkhand’s Shishu Panji align with UDISEPlus methodologies. States like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar can adopt similar surveys, focusing on hotspots. Household-level surveys are needed to address UDISEPlus data discrepancies .
    1. Inclusive Policies for CWSN: Delhi’s focus on CWSN sets a precedent for inclusive education. Rajasthan can integrate special educators into SOPs to comply with RTE provisions.
    2. Community Engagement: Jharkhand’s use of SMCs and Gujarat’s SMC initiatives highlight grassroots involvement. Madhya Pradesh can strengthen SMCs to monitor dropouts.
    1. Technology Integration: Tamil Nadu’s AI curriculum and Uttar Pradesh’s teacher training demonstrate innovation’s role in retaining OOSC. Assam can invest in smart classrooms.
    1. Scalable Frameworks: Delhi’s three-day enrollment timeline and Jharkhand’s campaign provide operational models. States must adapt to local contexts and leverage Samagra Shiksha for funding.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite potential, initiatives face challenges. UDISEPlus 2023-24 data indicates 47.44 million OOSC, but discrepancies with the 1.17 million Lok Sabha estimate question reliability. Resource constraints limit scalability in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Delhi’s rising OOSC numbers reflect urban migration issues, while Jharkhand’s high dropout rates in Deoghar necessitate retention strategies. States must secure budgetary support, conduct awareness campaigns, and strengthen data systems to ensure accurate tracking.

Concluding Observations

Delhi and Jharkhand’s SOPs provide robust frameworks for reintegrating out-of-school children (OOSC), supported by UDISEPlus 2023-24 data highlighting 47.44 million OOSC, with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Delhi as key contributors. Strategies like data-driven surveys, CWSN inclusion, and community engagement offer scalable models. Addressing data inaccuracies, resource limitations, and regional disparities is critical to align with NEP 2020’s vision of universal education by 2030.

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