The state is clearly lagging behind in this important social development index, even though the scenario has improved if one compares the data of NFHS-3 conducted in 2005-06.
About 15 years ago only 36% of boys and 28% of girls had reached this stage, compared to 57% of boys and 44% of girls attending higher secondary school in 2019-21.
Survey findings show that 82% of children in Gujarat went to school in 6-17 years – 87% in urban areas and 79% in rural areas. In 2005-06 the attendance was 71%.
‘Availability of water, key factors for leaving sanitation’
In both rural and urban areas, attendance has increased from 74% and 69% respectively in 2005-06.
Experts said that there are many reasons for the total drop out of girls and rapid drop out of girls in Gujarat.
Bharat Ghazipara, president of Gujarat’s Self-Finance Schools Association, said the dropout percentage in lower classes is not high as fewer students fail. “The major change is seen in class X, where our result is around 65-70% over the years. Failed students are less likely to continue their studies. For girls, the distance between school and home is a major factor – they are more likely than boys to have a primary education because parents are more inclined to give her a basic education, but when secondary and higher secondary schools are around. If not, then there is a possibility of them being drop out,” he said.
Rajesh Bhat, founder of Bal Manch, an NGO working for child education in Gujarat villages, said availability of water and sanitation is also a major factor. “If schools do not have separate toilets, girls are less likely to come. With the onset of menstruation in higher classes, availability of water is another issue,” he said. “Of course, the numbers are improving mainly because of initiatives like the mid-day meal scheme and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.” Narayan Patel, a former board member of the Gujarat Board of Secondary Education (GSEB), who has been involved with the education and examination process in Gujarat for more than three decades, said grants-in-aid could be one of the reasons for the disappearance of schools in some parts of the state. Is. for dropout.
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