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The Print
30-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Out-of-school children: Centre flags huge mismatch in Bihar, Jharkhand data & national survey
The discrepancies surfaced during meetings between state officials and the Project Approval Board (PAB) for the Samagra Shiksha Scheme, the largest school education scheme, held between March and April 2025. The minutes of the meetings were released last week. With the mismatch raising concerns about the reliability of state data, the ministry has asked these states to closely monitor the data uploaded to the portal. New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Education has flagged significant discrepancies between the number of out-of-school children reported by Bihar and Jharkhand on the Centre's online portal and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) survey, ThePrint has learnt. According to the minutes reviewed by ThePrint, the ministry identified a 'large variation' in the number of Out-of-School Children (OoSC)—defined as those aged 6 to 14 years who are not enrolled in or attending any educational institution—on the PRABANDH portal, the online system used to monitor the implementation of the Samagra Shiksha scheme. In Bihar, state data for 2023-24 showed 33,285 OoSCs on PRABANDH while the number of 'never enrolled' children recorded by the NSSO survey (2022-23) was 6,27,763. Similarly, in Jharkhand, PRABANDH listed 37,409 OoSC in 2023-24 compared with the NSSO's (2022-23) 1,07,639. NSSO defines 'never enrolled' children as students not attending school or any formal education institution at that point of time 'The state was advised to monitor the data uploaded on the portal by a responsible officer under the supervision of the state project directorate,' the minutes stated. The ministry has advised other states and Union territories (UTs) to ensure effective data collection of out-of-school children and timely updates on the PRABANDH portal on bringing them to school. Shashi Ranjan, State Project Director, Jharkhand Education Project Council, told ThePrint the state was investigating the reason behind the data mismatch. 'We are trying to find out how this gap has been reported because we conduct household surveys. We will also coordinate with the NSSO to understand their methodology. However, our process is very meticulous,' he said. He said the education department in Jharkhand conducts door-to-door surveys annually to identify the number of out-of-school children, and the data is updated on the PRABANDH portal. ThePrint reached Bihar Education Department Secretary Ajay Yadav via multiple calls or messages. This report will be updated if and when a response is received. Meanwhile, a Bihar Education Department official told ThePrint on condition of anonymity that they are also looking to ascertain the cause of the discrepancy. Also Read: 'Everything at stake' for Indian students as US pauses visa interviews amid social media vetting plan Teaching posts lying vacant across various states According to the minutes, the ministry also flagged widespread vacancies in teaching posts across various states. Bihar reported 'significant' teacher vacancies, with 208,784 at the elementary level, 36,035 at the secondary level and 33,035 at the senior secondary level. According to the minutes, the state indicated that recruitment is underway, with around 80,000 posts to be filled through the state public service commission and 'plans for further recruitment to follow'. In Haryana, the ministry flagged 7,626 teacher vacancies in elementary schools, 4,070 in secondary schools and 3,847 in senior secondary schools. Madhya Pradesh had 47,122 teacher vacancies in elementary schools, 2,877 in secondary schools and 2,020 in senior secondary schools. Similarly, Punjab had 6,423 vacant teaching posts across the state, including 1,546 at the elementary level, 961 at the secondary level and 3,916 at the senior secondary level. According to the minutes, the states were advised to fill the teacher vacancies by December 2025. Besides, in Maharashtra, the ministry flagged 8,254 vacancies in elementary school teachers, 660 in secondary school teachers and 65 in senior secondary school teachers. 'The state has informed that it has started the recruitment process and has advertised the vacancies. lt will fill the vacant positions within a period of three months,' the minutes stated. Kerala came in for praise by the ministry for 'filling up all sanctioned posts of teachers in all schools'. (Edited by Sugita Katyal) Also Read: To use or not, is no longer the question. From IITs to DU, universities are fighting unethical AI use
Time of India
11-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
School dropout rate a concern in Palamu dist
1 2 Daltonganj: The Palamu district is experiencing a worrying trend in dropouts across govt primary, middle, and secondary schools. This was revealed in the 'Shishu Panji Updation Work of 2024-25, Palamu'.The highest dropout rates are observed in Naudeeha Bazar block's government schools, which total over 125. During the 2024-25 academic year, these schools reported 448 dropouts in the 6-14 age group and 348 in the 14-18 age commissioner (DC) Shashi Ranjan said, "The dropout rates in govt schools under Naudeeha Bazar block are a matter of deep concern. I will visit some of the schools to ascertain the causes behind such a huge dropout."The situation differs notably in the Ramgarh block, which has a predominantly particularly vulnerable tribal people (PVTG) population. This block reported zero dropouts in the 14-18 age category and only nine dropouts in the 6-14 age group for district houses 2,564 govt educational institutions, encompassing primary, middle, secondary, plus two, residential facilities for girls, SC and ST students, and schools for children of incarcerated Naxals. Several factors contribute to these dropouts. During the mahua season, lasting two and a half months, students leave school to assist their mothers in collecting Mahua fruits, which provides essential income for the rainy season. Additionally, seasonal measles outbreaks result in permanent departures from district has identified over 2,250 students as dropouts or non-enrolled in govt schools for the 2024-25 academic year. Fraudulent midday meal reporting and dual enrolment in both govt and private schools were also reported. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
06-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Campaign targets to enrol 59k out-of-school children
Ranchi: The school education and literacy department of the state is actively implementing its 'Back to School' campaign (Ruar-2025) in a focused effort to bring every child into the formal education system. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The initiative, which began on April 25, in govt schools will conclude on May 10 with an aim to enrol all 59,094 children identified as out-of-school students in the recent Shishu Panji survey. According to the survey data, Deoghar district records the highest number of out-of-school students at 7,993, while Dumka follows closely with 7,247 children at both primary and secondary levels. Other districts like Pakur, with 4,873 primary and 1,770 secondary out-of-school children , and Giridih, with 2,595 primary and 250 secondary out-of-school students, also witnessed large figures. Out of the total 59,094 children, 43,250 belong to Classes I to VIII, while 15,844 are in secondary classes. The data includes both dropouts and those who never enrolled in school. The number of dropout students is 24,649, and 18,601 children are never enrolled in schools. Deoghar district has the highest number of dropouts, while Jamtara reports the lowest with just 12 children. As part of the campaign, schools have been instructed to identify and contact students who are not attending classes regularly, in addition to enrolling those previously unregistered. A coordinated strategy has been laid out, where headmasters of primary schools will liaise with anganwadi centres, middle schools will connect with primary schools, and high schools with middle schools to track and enrol children in their respective areas. To make the campaign more engaging, a "No Bag Day" will be observed, featuring interactive activities such as kitchen gardening. On the final day, schools will host a welcome ceremony for newly enrolled children. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Parents and school management committee members will also be invited while local panchayat representatives will also be roped in to support the enrolment efforts at the grassroots level. The director of the Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC), Shashi Ranjan, said, "The education department has urged the school authorities to treat the campaign with priority, ensuring that no child is left out of school due to lack of information, outreach or systemic coordination."
Time of India
05-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
School certification begins in 422 govt schools across state
1 2 Ranchi: The Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC) has initiated the first phase of the school certification process across 750 govt schools in a bid to strengthen the quality of education in the state. On the first day of the process, 422 schools underwent a comprehensive qualitative survey while assessment tests were conducted for students of Class II and III in Hindi, English and mathematics. Over 8,000 students participated in the first phase of the evaluation. The certification drive is being carried out in 80 CM Schools of Excellence, 325 block-level Adarsh Vidyalayas and 345 PM Shri Vidyalayas operating across the state. Students were allotted 90 minutes for the assessment, followed by a 90-minute qualitative survey of the schools based on various educational and infrastructural standards. Key focus areas for school certification included student learning outcomes, 75% attendance, functioning of libraries and laboratories, sports facilities, water and sanitation, teaching-learning processes, community participation, school management committee involvement, student leadership, school development plans, inclusivity, nutrition, safety and overall cleanliness. The certification process will continue till May 7. On May 6, students of Class IV to VIII will appear for assessments in Hindi, English and maths, while school surveys will also be conducted. The final day will witness assessments for students of Class VIII, X and XII. State project director of JEPC Shashi Ranjan said, "The initiative marks a significant move towards enhancing the quality of education in govt schools across the state. By systematically assessing both student performance and school infrastructure through school certification, the govt aims to identify strengths and areas for improvement."
