Odisha, Meghalaya, Bihar, and Assam have been identified as the states with the highest dropout rates in secondary school, according to a recent report by the Ministry of Education in India. The data, shared in the Rajya Sabha, reveals that Odisha tops the list with a dropout rate of 27.3%, followed by Meghalaya (21.7%), Bihar (20.5%), and Assam (20.3%). These rates are significantly higher than the national average dropout rate of 12.6% at the secondary school level.
The report also highlights other states with concerning dropout rates. West Bengal, Punjab, Nagaland, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh have dropout rates exceeding 15% at this stage of schooling. Andhra Pradesh recorded a rate of 16.3%, Gujarat 17.9%, Punjab 17.2%, and West Bengal 18%.
The ministry’s data covers the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and state-wise information on the transition and dropout rates at the elementary, secondary, and senior secondary school levels. The statistics serve as a valuable tool for assessing the education system’s effectiveness and identifying areas of concern.
In terms of primary school dropout rates, Manipur has the highest rate at 13.3%, followed by Meghalaya (9.8%) and Arunachal Pradesh (9.3%). Similarly, at the upper primary level, Meghalaya’s dropout rate stands at 10.6%, followed by Assam (8.8%) and Punjab (8%).
These alarming figures shed light on the challenges faced by the education sector in these states. The high dropout rates indicate a need for targeted interventions and reforms to ensure students receive quality education and remain engaged throughout their schooling journey.
The report’s findings are based on data collected from the Department of School Education and Literacy’s Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+). This system was developed to record data on various indicators of school education provided by all states and Union Territories.
Efforts must be made at both the policy and implementation levels to curb the dropout rates and improve the overall educational landscape in these states. Investing in quality infrastructure, enhancing access to education, and offering remedial support to struggling students are some potential strategies for addressing the issue.
It is crucial to approach these challenges with a balanced view, considering the perspectives of all stakeholders involved. By fostering collaborations between the government, education authorities, schools, teachers, parents, and students, sustainable solutions can be developed that ensure every child has an equal opportunity to pursue education without any hindrances.
Addressing the issue of high dropout rates requires sustained efforts and a comprehensive approach. By recognizing the importance of education and working towards creating an inclusive and empowering environment for students, these states can pave the way for a brighter future for their young population.
