NONGPOH/AMPATI/JOWAI/TURA/mawkyrwat: The number of dropout students in the state is alarming, said Principal Secretary of Education and State Mission Director SSA-SEMAM DP Wahlang on Friday.
Wahlang, while speaking at a programme organised to mark World Literacy Day, said there are 17,535 dropouts in the state and 1609 is in Ri Bhoi alone, which is very alarming and urged each and all for their role to play in order to bring down the trend.
“The government is trying every ways and means to improve the system of education through schemes like SSA in which students are provided with mid-day meal, free books, free school fees and stipend for the upper primary and secondary level,” Wahlang said at the event at Umkynsier Upper Primary School.
According to SSA data, the annual average dropout rate in 2011-12 was 13.05 per cent and that in 2015-16 was 9.46 per cent in the primary level. For upper primary, it was 6.67 per cent in 2015-16 as compared to 10.24 per cent in 2012-13.
Wahlang said the government is providing infrastructure, including libraries and smart classes, to 117 schools in the state to check dropout.
Minister C. Lyngdoh said despite the government’s efforts, a majority of the population is still illiterate due to poverty.
In Jowai, DC Ryntihlang Rapthap also expressed concern over the district’s lowest literacy rate in the state. He urged all stakeholders to understand the need of education.
L.M Darnei, District Mission Coordinator, SSA-SEMAM, West Jaintia Hills, said the district has the lowest literacy rate which stands at 63.26 per cent as against 74.43 per cent in the state and called for action.
The day was celebrated in other parts of the state. In Ampati, a programme was organised by the District Unit of Sarva Siksha Abhiyan focusing on spreading inclusive and quality education. The theme for the programme was ‘Importance of Education’.
In Tura, it was observed at SMELC Conference Hall, Dakopgre, where GHADC CEM Boston Marak was the chief guest. There was a cultural programme by students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya and out-of-school children.
In Mawkyrwat, the programme started with a rally. Local MLA, Rowell Lyngdoh graced the occasion as chief guest. Lyngdoh highlighted the value of education in life.
