New Delhi: Ministry of Education reviewed a national strategy for out-of-school children through coordination with NIOS, State governments, and district administrations. The meeting took place under the chairmanship of Sanjay Kumar.
Officials discussed school dropouts, especially among children aged 14 to 18 years. Sanjay Kumar said only 62 out of every 100 children entering Class I currently reach Class XII. He also stated that more than two crore children in the same age group remain outside the education system.
The Secretary said economic hardship and domestic responsibilities remained major reasons for dropouts. He stressed the need to provide secondary education and employable skills. He also urged district administrations to support implementation at the grassroots level.
Officials said the government would first try to reintegrate children into formal schools. They added that children unable to return would receive support through flexible learning systems. These systems would operate through National Institute of Open Schooling and State Open Schools.
Out-of-school children programme to start in 10 districts
Prachi Pandey said the programme would follow a data-driven approach. She added that officials would focus strongly on last-mile outreach. Preparatory activities will include surveys, facilitator enrollment, starter kits, and student registrations.
Pilot implementation will begin in 10 districts across Odisha, Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Delhi. Officials said States would sign Memoranda of Commitment for implementation. The Ministry added that the pilot phase would help expand the out-of-school children programme nationwide.
