Survey shows that in 2016, more children between age 3 and 4 years were not enrolled in pre-schools as compared to 2014. The same survey also shows that more than one third schools lack usable toilets.
The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2016 has been published and according to it, more school student in rural Karnataka between the age of three and four years of age have dropped out of school in 2016 than in 2014. This survey is conducted by Pratham Education Foundation an NGO that also evaluates schools, its facilities, funds and activities.
This year’s survey shows that in 2016, 19.6% three-year-old kids were not enrolled in pre-schools or schools and in 2014, this number was 0.7%.
The same study also reveals many things about the schools that could be the possible reason for children to not go or dropouts from schools. In terms of facilities, almost one four schools covered in the survey did not have drinking water facility and 63.1% schools have toilets meaning more than one-third schools lack usable toilets.
Apart from the basic facilities, the other factor that plays a major role in pre-school dropout is the quality of the curriculum that practically has no value for parents. Lack of the number of teachers is another reason why many parents do not see the need to send their children to schools.
The state government is focusing on mid-day meal to lure the students as well as parents as a temporary fix. However, to look for a permanent solution the state government will have to focus on improving the quality of education, employing sufficient qualified teachers and improving infrastructural facilities.
