Addressing Dropout Rates

The issue of school dropouts in India is a complex and persistent challenge that affects the educational landscape significantly. According to the 75th round household survey by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) conducted in 2017-18, 3.22 crore children in the age group of 6 to 17 years were out of school. This alarming figure highlights the urgent need to address dropout rates and ensure equitable access to education, as envisioned by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The NEP 2020 sets a target to achieve a 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) from preschool to secondary level by 2030, emphasizing the importance of bringing these out-of-school children back into the education system and preventing future dropouts.

Causes of Dropout Rates

Several factors contribute to high dropout rates in India, which vary across different regions and communities. Understanding these causes is crucial for implementing effective interventions:

1. Socio-Economic Factors: Poverty remains a significant barrier to education. Many children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are forced to leave school to work and support their families. The opportunity cost of attending school often outweighs the perceived benefits, especially in rural areas.

2. Infrastructure and Accessibility: Lack of adequate school infrastructure, including safe buildings, clean water, sanitation facilities, and transportation, especially in remote and rural areas, discourages students from attending school regularly. Girls, in particular, face challenges related to inadequate sanitation facilities.

3. Quality of Education: Poor quality of education, including untrained teachers, outdated curricula, and lack of engaging pedagogical methods, leads to disinterest and disengagement among students. This is especially true for girls and students from marginalized communities, who may not see the relevance of their education to their future prospects.

4. Social and Cultural Norms: Traditional gender roles and cultural norms often prioritize boys’ education over girls’, leading to higher dropout rates for girls. Child marriage and early pregnancies also contribute to girls leaving school prematurely.

5. Migration and Mobility: Children of migrant laborers face disruptions in their education due to frequent relocations. They often struggle to integrate into new schools, leading to higher dropout rates.

NEP 2020 Strategies to Tackle Dropout Rates

The NEP 2020 outlines comprehensive strategies to address the issue of dropouts and ensure universal access to quality education. These strategies focus on infrastructural improvements, pedagogical reforms, and systemic support mechanisms:

1. Infrastructure Enhancement: NEP 2020 emphasizes the need to provide sufficient and effective infrastructure, including safe school buildings, adequate sanitation, and transportation facilities. This includes upgrading existing schools, building new schools in underserved areas, and providing hostels, especially for girls, to ensure safe access to education.

2. Alternative and Innovative Education Models: The policy encourages the establishment of alternative education centers, in collaboration with civil society, to support children of migrant workers and others who are at risk of dropping out. These centers aim to integrate children back into mainstream education through flexible and innovative learning methods.

3. Tracking and Support Systems: A robust system to track student enrolment, attendance, and learning levels will be implemented to ensure students remain engaged in school. This includes deploying trained counsellors and social workers to work with students, parents, and communities to address barriers to education.

4. Curriculum and Pedagogical Reforms: To retain students, especially from socio-economically disadvantaged groups (SEDGs), the NEP 2020 proposes overhauling the curriculum to make it more engaging and relevant. This includes incorporating vocational training, life skills, and cultural education into the curriculum.

5. Support for Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs): The policy recommends targeted interventions, such as scholarships, conditional cash transfers, and provision of bicycles, to incentivize school attendance among SEDGs. Special Education Zones (SEZs) will be declared in regions with high SEDG populations to focus efforts and resources.

6. Nutrition and Health Interventions: Recognizing that health and nutrition significantly impact learning, the NEP 2020 advocates for the provision of nutritious meals and regular health check-ups in schools. This aims to improve students’ concentration and cognitive abilities, thereby reducing dropout rates.

7. Digital and Distance Learning: To address barriers of distance and access, the policy promotes the use of digital and open distance learning platforms. These platforms provide flexible learning opportunities for students who cannot attend regular schools, ensuring continuity in education.

By addressing the multifaceted causes of dropout rates, the NEP 2020 aims to create an inclusive and equitable education system that supports the diverse needs of all students, ensuring that every child in India has the opportunity to learn and succeed.