Editorial
Decrease in dropouts
Positive trend must continue
A 13 percent reduction in dropout rates at the primary education level in the last two years is commendable and we congratulate the concerned ministry for the positive steps taken which have enabled this progress.
A multi-pronged approach was and remains necessary in addressing the issue of students dropping out at the SSC level and the government has shown competence in matters of free and timely distribution of textbooks, widening the coverage of stipends and training of teachers. It is also encouraging that irregular students will be able to sit for exams. Efficient monitoring mechanisms are, however, required to keep regular tabs on these developments.
It is also necessary to identify the several factors, besides poverty, which contribute to dropout rates of students in order to attack the problem of illiteracy at the very roots. For female students, a common concern is early marriage. Communication and security too are issues that need to be addressed, for, while some parents are unwilling to let their daughters go to schools located far from home, many girls have stopped going to school due to 'eve-teasing' or sexual harassment faced on the way there. While girls bear the brunt of household responsibilities, male students too are often forced to drop out of school in order to take up jobs, also stemming from poverty. Children who start school late are also more likely to drop out, thus calling for a mechanism to reduce late/overage enrolment. A fear of teachers has also discouraged students from continuing their studies -- a concern which we hope shall be addressed by the strict enforcement of laws banning corporal punishment in schools. Finally, lack of support from poor and illiterate parents remains a key factor in the lack of motivation of children with regards to education. The value of literacy must be inculcated not only in students but also their family members, the primary source of guidance and support for children.
These and other issues yet to be identified must be addressed in order to ensure that, before going digital, the nation is first free of illiteracy.
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