Question : FEMALE DROP OUT



(a) Whether the number of female drop outs in education is increasing day by day;

(b) If so, the details thereof during the last three years, year-wise; and

(c) The steps taken/proposed to be taken to make improvement in this regard?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRI HAYSINGRAO GAIKWAD PATIL)

(a) & (b): The rate of female drop out has come down from 65% in 1960-61 to 39.74% in 1998-99 in primary classes and from 78% in 1960-61 to 56.82% in 1998-99 in upper primary classes.

(c): The Central and State Governments have taken several steps to promote education of girls. These include micro- planning and community mobilisation; greater involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions; improvement of school infrastructure through Operation Black Board Scheme; establishment of separate schools for girls; provision of attendance scholarships; free text books and uniforms; exemption from tuition fees; appointment of more women teachers and provision of separate toilets for girls. Under the Centrally Sponsored scheme of Non-Formal Education, there is a special focus on girls. The introduction of the Mid-day Meals Programme has also had a positive effect on enrolment and retention of girls in primary schools.