New Delhi, March 20: The government is set to identify children who have dropped out of school across the country. A nationwide campaign will be initiated to enroll these children back into the education system. This initiative is led by the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) under the Ministry of Education.
The National Education Policy (NEP) aims for a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 100% from preschool to secondary levels by the year 2030. However, the Periodic Labor Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24 annual report indicates that nearly 20 million children aged 14-18 are not attending school. Additionally, around 11% of children in grades 3 to 8 are out of school. More than 500,000 students fail board examinations each year.
To achieve the goal of 100% enrollment, efforts are underway to bring these children back into the education system as soon as possible. Preventing student dropouts is also crucial. For children unable to attend regular schools due to economic, social, or geographical barriers, free education is being offered as a viable alternative.
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, is the largest open schooling board in the world. It provides inclusive and flexible access to quality schooling and skill development through open and distance education. According to the Ministry of Education, this initiative promotes universalization, equality, and social justice. As the world’s largest open schooling board, NIOS offers a flexible admission process, multiple opportunities to pass exams, an on-demand examination system, vocational and skill-based courses aligned with employment, inclusive provisions for differently-abled learners, and nationally and state-recognized certifications.
The Ministry of Education states that this is a significant step towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Developed India 2047’ and strengthening the foundation of a self-reliant India. Notably, the National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes monitoring students and their learning levels, ensuring they are enrolled and regularly attending school. If a child falls behind or has dropped out, they will be given appropriate opportunities to catch up and re-enroll.
In this context, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with states, is launching a campaign to reach out to out-of-school or dropout children. Using data from district-level surveys conducted by state and union territory governments, NIOS will identify and contact these children for upcoming enrollment campaigns. To ensure access to marginalized groups, the ‘NIOS Mitra’ program is being introduced. Trained instructors will identify out-of-school children, provide counseling, assist with enrollment, and offer academic guidance, focusing particularly on marginalized, tribal, migrant, minority, and economically disadvantaged groups.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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