School dropouts in India: 'Lack of interest' is why children are dropping out

By: Anshul Vipat

Over 35 percent of boys and 21 percent of girls between six to 17 years dropped out of the schools citing not interested in studies as the main reason

While the government is going all out to get more children back into classrooms, students don't seem interested in donning uniform. And the reason isn't high cost or access to schools or sanitation, but a lack of interest in studies.

According to the findings of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5, the most common reason reported for children dropping out of school was "lack of interest in studies". Over 35 percent of boys and 21 percent of girls between six to 17 years dropped out of the schools citing not interested in studies as the main reason.

The study, conducted under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare by the Mumbai-based International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), had surveyed 20,084 boys and 21,851 girls on their reasons for dropping out.

The next citied factor of students dropping out of school was rising cost. About 20 percent of girls and 16 percent of boys surveyed attributing dropping out to it. Around 13 percent girls as opposed to around 10 percent boys cited "required for household work" as reason for dropping out. Then, marriage put a stop to girls’ education with 7 percent dropping out due to it as compared to only 0.3 percent boys. Other reasons cited by the girls included lack of proper facilities (1.7 percent), no female teacher (0.2 percent), and safety concerns (2 percent).

The data also presents a worrying picture, especially for students in higher classes. According to NFHS, 40 percent of boys and girls age 2-4 years attend preschool. However, the net attendance ratio falls from 83 percent in primary school to 71 percent in middle, secondary, and higher secondary school.

According to experts, one of the reasons of such a state can be attributed on academic learning, than on fundamental values, or physical and mental wellbeing of the students. If we look at evolution of the school system around the world they have being focusing on enhancing the learning ability of the students and making them smarter, more competitive and cognizant citizens. While the New Education Policy aims at building an education system that promotes market-relevant skills among the youth, we must also focus on fostering an enabling environment for students

The data calls for urgent need to revamp the school system and align it with values that help one build resilience and focus.  The Indian education system has been fraught with certain hard-hitting realities which are hard to ignore