Bengaluru: A child joining a primary school is not assurance enough that he/she will pursue education further. This is true for even developed parts of the
state, like Bengaluru, revealed a recent survey by Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).
The survey revealed that 7,807 children across the state in the age group of seven to 13 have dropped out of school this year. Of them, 1,739 children were from Bengaluru, which accounts for the highest dropout rate for any region in the state. The age group also suggests that these students have dropped out after completing their lower primary classes. This could also be because of difficulty in enrolling in another school for higher studies.
“This is the transition time for students. The main reason why the dropout rate increases is because of migration and employment of their parents,” said Dr Niranjanaradhya, an education expert.
Bengaluru was followed by Kalaburagi with 1,389 dropouts and Yadgir, 635. But Vijaypura showed the lowest number of dropouts at seven, while
Dakshina Kannada had 20 dropouts.
On the high dropout rate in the city, P.C. Jaffer, Commissioner, Department of Public Instruction, said, “The numbers are high because of large number of migrants in the city. A lot of parents also prefer private schooling once their children complete lower primary education.”
The survey reveals that 49% of 7,807 children belonged to SC/STs, while 48% from minority and other backward classes.
Dr Niranjanaradhya said though RTE (Right To Education) has helped in reducing dropout rates, girls are most likely to discontinue education if schools are not available in their neighbourhoods. “Sometimes when children don’t do well in studies, parents ask them to discontinue studies and work. This happens more with backward classes and minorities,” he said.
Stressing on the responsibility of schools in creating awareness about higher education among the families of these children, he said, “It is important for schools to call the parents and tell them about the benefits of higher primary education for children.”
