Ahmedabad: The issue of student dropouts in Gujarat has reached a critical point, as recent data reveals that over 6.17 lakh children have dropped out of school despite efforts like the school entrance festival (Pravesh Mahotsav).
The figures show that more than 7.58 lakh students across the state are either out of school or have become dropouts, with a concerning dropout ratio of over 23% in classes 9 and 10.
Reasons behind high dropout rate
In response to the statistics, the Education Department has issued a circular to all district education officers (DEOs), instructing them to trace children who are not attending school and have become untraceable.
Authorities have been given a deadline until November 31 to locate these students and encourage their return to school.
School Management Board President Bhaskar Patel pointed out several factors contributing to the rising dropout rates. He stated that it is the government’s duty to ensure that all students study up to class 12.
However, issues like ‘ghost names’ (fake enrollments) in primary schools and families frequently relocating between districts have made it difficult to track students effectively.
Political criticism over government initiatives
Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi criticised the government’s education policies, claiming that initiatives like the Pravesh Mahotsav have failed despite being held 21 times and costing crores of rupees. He argued that the government’s claims of improved education coverage have been proven false and demanded accountability from education review officials.
