The latest Economic Survey for Assam shows a concerning picture of rising student dropout rates in state-run primary schools, despite concerted government efforts to tackle the issue. Education, deemed crucial for balanced social and fiscal development, faces hurdles as dropout rates continue to climb.
According to the latest economic survey, the average annual dropout rate in lower primary (LP) schools in Assam increased to 8.49% in 2022-23, up from 6.02% in the previous year and 3.1% in 2018-19. Similarly, the dropout rate in upper primary (UP) schools rose to 10.33% in 2022-23.
The transition rate from primary to upper primary schools was recorded at 89.7%, indicating a significant gap in retaining students through their educational journey.
South Salmara district emerges as the hardest hit, with dropout rates soaring to 22.52% in LP schools and 32.39% in Upper Primary schools. In contrast, Sivasagar district records the lowest dropout rates, showcasing regional disparities in outcomes related to education.
Assam has many government and provincialized LP and upper primary schools, primarily situated in rural areas. Despite the rising dropout rates, the gross enrolment ratio in elementary schools has consistently grown, reaching 109.8% in 2021-22.
However, challenges persist in secondary and senior secondary education, with lower GER figures reflecting accessibility and retention issues in higher grades. Efforts to address these challenges include providing free textbooks to millions of students, aiming to enhance access to education and mitigate financial barriers.
The survey also shows the crucial role of education in fostering economic growth and social empowerment. While government initiatives aim to bolster education development, the rising dropout rates underscore the need for holistic interventions to ensure equitable access and retention across all levels of education in Assam.
