The dropout rate of students in Jammu and Kashmir has shown a mixed trend over the last three academic years, with improvement at the primary level but a worrying rise at the secondary stage, according to the data shared by the Union Ministry of Education in the Lok Sabha.
In the academic year 2023–24, the dropout rate at the primary level (Class 1–5) in Jammu and Kashmir has sharply declined to 1.6%, compared to 8.9% in 2022–23, a positive shift in retaining children during their foundational schooling years and reflects the impact of ongoing enrolment and awareness initiatives. However, the dropout rate at the secondary level (Class 9–10) has alarmingly risen to 13.4% in 2023–24, from 9.0% in the previous year. The increase points towards persistent challenges in ensuring the continuation of education beyond the middle school stage, particularly among adolescents and economically weaker families.
At the upper primary level (Class 6–8), the dropout rate has shown a modest improvement, reducing from 4.2% in 2022–23 to 3.2% in 2023–24. Although this trend is encouraging, it still indicates that a sizeable number of students leave school before reaching secondary education.
Looking at the overall three-year data, the dropout rate at the primary level was 4.03% in 2021–22, spiked to 8.9% in 2022–23, and then dropped significantly to 1.6% in 2023–24. At the upper primary level, the rate was 2.99% in 2021–22, rose to 4.2% in 2022–23, and later dropped to 3.2%. The secondary level, however, saw a steady rise from 5.96% in 2021–22 to 9.0% in 2022–23, and further to 13.4% in 2023–24.
Replying to a question in Parliament, Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary said that the Central Government is working closely with UT governments to reduce dropout rates at all levels through schemes such as Samagra Shiksha and PM POSHAN.
The initiatives focus on improving school infrastructure, providing inclusive education, and ensuring better access to resources for all sections of society.
He also said that several targeted steps have been taken to address dropouts, including the establishment of residential schools and hostels, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The schemes such as Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalayas, and Eklavya Model Residential Schools have been instrumental in this effort, he said.
Other measures include transport and escort services, seasonal hostels, free textbooks and uniforms, and vocational education to ensure students stay engaged and complete their schooling. Enrolment drives, bridge courses, and support for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) are also being implemented.
The Minister further added that under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, provisions such as 25% reservation in private unaided schools for children from weaker sections are being promoted. States and UTs have been advised to monitor and ensure effective implementation of these constitutional rights.(KNS)
