The Economic Survey underscores a persistent challenge in Assam’s state-run primary schools, where dropout rates continue to rise despite ongoing government efforts. According to the latest report, the average annual dropout rate in lower primary schools increased to 8.49% in 2022-23 from 6.02% in the previous year and 4.3% in 2019-20, as per Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) data. Similarly, upper primary school dropout rates rose to 10.33% in 2022-23, up from 8.81% in the preceding year.

The transition rate from primary to upper primary schools is 89.7%. Alarming dropout rates were recorded in South Salmara district, with 22.52% for lower primary and 32.39% for upper primary schools, while Sivasagar had the lowest rates.

Despite the concerning dropout trends, the gross enrolment ratio (GER) in elementary schools (Class 1 to 8) has shown consistent growth, reaching 109.8% in 2021-22. However, senior secondary school GER remains notably low at 40.1% in 2021-22, a slight improvement from 30.9% in the previous year, according to UDISE data.

The Economic Survey underscores the crucial role of education in social and fiscal development and acknowledges government initiatives. Notably, free textbooks were distributed to 46,69,501 students ahead of the 2023-24 academic year, following the provision of textbooks to 41,51,498 students in the year 2022. These initiatives aim to mitigate barriers and enhance access to education in Assam.

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