Karnataka’s department of primary and secondary education has identified over 44,000 out-of-school children (OOSC) in the state. While the survey is still underway, the number is expected to touch 60,000.
The number of OOSC is more than triple that of last year (14,192), which is attributed to the change in the survey pattern. The Hindu quoted M.T. Reju, State Project Director of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan: “The survey was more robust this year as it involved more community participation at the gram panchayat level. While the survey every year takes into account only students below the age of 14, the state government this year decided to include students who have not completed class 10 as dropouts. This criteria is responsible for the spike in numbers.”
Of the 44,000 OOSC, around 1,000 have never enrolled in schools, while the remaining are dropouts. Majority are from Bangalore, as their parents from other states immigrate in search of jobs. The final result of the survey will be released before the next academic year.
Posted in States
