Chandigarh: Sirsa MP Kumari Selja has expressed serious concern over the rising number of student dropouts and the deteriorating condition of the education system in Haryana. She said a large number of students in the state are being forced to discontinue their studies midway, which is an alarming sign for the education system. Citing figures released by the Haryana Directorate of Education, Kumari Selja said that nearly 5.5 lakh students dropped out of school within 1 year in the state. Of these, around 2.58 lakh students left govt schools, while approximately 2.91 lakh students dropped out of private schools.Selja said several serious factors are contributing to the rising dropout rate. “These include the lack of higher and senior secondary schools in rural areas, long distances to schools, economic hardships, migration of families in search of employment, and lack of awareness among parents about education. Girls are the most affected, as many families are unable to continue their daughters’ education due to distant schools, lack of transport facilities, and safety concerns. Haryana govt’s Chirag Yojana, which enables children from economically weaker sections to study in private schools, also reflects the relatively weaker condition of govt schools,” she said. According to her, the govt’s first responsibility should be to strengthen public schools and ensure quality education so that students from poor and Scheduled Caste families studying there can compete equally in competitive examinations.She said the govt should take the growing dropout problem seriously, particularly among girls. Kumari Selja demanded that the number of higher and senior secondary schools in rural areas be increased, and safe transport facilities be ensured. MSID:: 129503855 413 |
