Education Ministry, NIOS Plan Drive to Bring Back Dropout Students

Education Ministry, NIOS Plan Drive to Bring Back Dropout Students as the Ministry of Education and the National Institute of Open Schooling held a high-level meeting to prepare a nationwide strategy for re-enrolling children who have left school.

The meeting was chaired by the Department of School Education and Literacy Secretary Sanjay Kumar and included officials from NIOS, state governments and district administrations. The initiative aims to bring children back into education through regular schooling and flexible open learning systems.

Education Ministry Targets Over 2 Crore Out-of-School Children

During the meeting, officials highlighted the growing concern over school dropout rates in India. According to the latest data shared during the discussion, only 62 out of every 100 students enrolled in Class 1 currently reach Class 12.

Officials also stated that more than 2 crore children between 14 and 18 years of age are presently outside the school system. Before discussing the new plan, authorities identified the major reasons behind rising dropout numbers across several states.

The ministry stated that the programme will focus not only on enrolment but also on ensuring that students continue education up to the senior secondary level.

NIOS and State Open Schools to Provide Flexible Education

Officials said children unable to return to conventional schools will be supported through NIOS and State Open Schools using Open and Distance Learning methods. The government plans to create flexible education pathways so that students facing financial or social challenges can continue studies without leaving education permanently. The ministry also stressed the need to connect education with employable skills and local economic opportunities to improve long-term participation among students.

Pilot Programme to Begin Across 10 Districts

The first phase of the initiative will begin in districts identified as having high numbers of out-of-school children. Before implementation starts, officials confirmed the list of states included in the pilot programme.

The initiative will include identification drives, trained facilitators, app-based monitoring systems and district-level coordination mechanisms.

Government Calls Initiative a National Education Movement

Senior officials described the programme as a large-scale educational inclusion mission aimed at reconnecting children with learning opportunities.

NIOS officials stated that the programme will function in mission mode with support from state administrations and local authorities. The strategy also includes monitoring student participation and ensuring regular academic engagement.

The meeting concluded with participating states and district administrations assuring full cooperation for the implementation of the initiative aimed at expanding school education access across the country.