Introduction
The alarming school dropout rate among teenagers in Telangana has become a pressing issue, nearly doubling the national average. According to the Socio-Economic Outlook 2024, while the national average for children aged 14–18 not enrolled in school or college stands at 13.2%, Telangana reports a staggering 22.1%. This article delves into the various aspects of this issue, examining the underlying factors and the initiatives being undertaken to combat this trend.
Gender Disparities in Education
The dropout rates in Telangana reveal a significant gender disparity, with more boys (26%) than girls (17.4%) out of educational institutions. This gap widens among older teenagers (17-18 years old), with 40.1% not enrolled in any educational institution. Despite being out of school, a significant proportion of these teenagers (68.7%) work more than 15 days a month, and 89.2% are proficient in using digital technology, particularly in searching for videos and sharing content online.
Factors Contributing to High Dropout Rates
Several factors contribute to the high dropout rates in Telangana. A survey by the School Education Department found that 16,683 children, including 11,405 at the elementary level and 5,278 at the secondary level, are out of school. Children aged 6–14 are considered out of school if they did not complete elementary education or have been absent for more than a month.
Trends in School Dropout Rates from 2012-2023
Analyzing the school dropout rates from 2012-2023 shows a fluctuating trend. The rates were significantly high in 2012-13, with 24.28% for boys and 24.56% for girls at the primary level. Over the years, there have been efforts to reduce these rates, with noticeable improvements in 2020-21 and 2021-22. However, the dropout rates saw a concerning rise again in 2022-2023.
Government Initiatives to Improve Enrollment Rates
The Telangana government has implemented several initiatives to address these gaps and improve enrollment rates. These initiatives include:
- Educational and Economic Support to Marginalized Groups: Pre and post-matric scholarships, overseas education schemes, residential schools, and free coaching for competitive exams are provided to marginalized groups, aiming to reduce educational inequalities and promote quality education. Economic support includes financial aid for income-generating assets, land purchase schemes, and skill development programs.
- Focus on Education: Emphasizing human development and poverty reduction, Telangana aims to achieve 100% youth literacy by 2030. Efforts are being made to bridge the literacy gap between genders through various educational programs.
- Samagra Shiksha Program: This initiative provides early childhood and universal elementary education, secondary education, teacher training, and computer courses, supplemented by Mid-Day Meal schemes and school infrastructure enhancements.
- Nutritional Support for Students: To improve students’ nutritional status, breakfast and Ragi Java are served in all 28,807 schools across the state, benefiting 23,05,801 students. This is in addition to the existing mid-day meal scheme.
- Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV): Telangana boasts the highest number of operational KGBVs in the country, including girls’ hostels. The state also leads in girls’ enrollment in KGBVs, making up one-fifth of the country’s total.
- Higher Education and Technical Education: The Directorate of Collegiate Education manages 146 Government Degree Colleges, enhancing higher education with a Gross Enrollment Ratio of 39.3%. Technical education initiatives prioritize curriculum updates and industry partnerships, improving employability through skill development programs.
Infrastructure Improvements in Schools
The government has initiated a drive to provide infrastructure facilities in schools, focusing on comprehensive development across 26,065 schools in three phases over three years, with a budget of Rs.7,289.54 crore. Key components include the provision of toilets with running water, electrification, drinking water supply, furniture, painting, repairs, green chalkboards, compound walls, kitchen sheds, new classrooms, dining halls, and digital classrooms. The program aims to enhance educational quality through improved infrastructure and community participation.
Conclusion
The high dropout rates in Telangana present a significant challenge that requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders. While the government has implemented several initiatives to improve enrollment rates and provide better educational facilities, more needs to be done to address the underlying factors contributing to high dropout rates. By focusing on gender disparities, providing economic support to marginalized groups, and improving infrastructure, Telangana can work towards reducing dropout rates and achieving 100% youth literacy by 2030.