Assam: Dispur forms team to check school dropout rate at secondary level

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: In a significant move aimed at curbing school dropout rates among students of Classes VIII to X, the Assam Government's Department of School Education has announced the formation of a dedicated team to study and recommend a targeted, incentive-based scheme akin to the successful 'Nijut Moina' programme.

The team has been directed to submit its final report to the Office of the Chief Minister by August 15, 2025, with concrete recommendations on the structure, design, and quantum of proposed incentives under the upcoming scheme.

A notification issued by the Department of School Education underscores the state's growing concern over high dropout rates-especially among vulnerable and marginalised groups-and highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy that tackles economic, social, and geographic factors contributing to school discontinuation.

The team is to conduct a detailed study to identify the stages at which dropouts are most likely to occur, with data disaggregated by class, gender, geography and socio-economic status. The study would also assess the key reasons behind school dropouts, such as early marriage, domestic responsibilities, poverty, or lack of access to schools.

The select team comprises Krishna Baruah, Additional Secretary, Department of School Education, as Chairperson, and Khanindra Das, OSD, Samagra Shiksha, Assam (SSA), as Member-Convenor.

The other 5 members of the team are Titu Gogoi, Deputy Director, Directorate of Elementary Education (DEE); Dipika Choudhury, Deputy Director, Directorate of Secondary Education (DSE); Piyanu Boruah, Deputy Director, SCERT, Assam; Aparajita Choudhary of UNICEF; and Indranath Chatterjee, State Lead, Central Square Foundation.

Moreover, the team is to collaborate with key agencies, including SSA, DSE, DEE, and Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB), and undertake field visits to gather insights through consultations with stakeholders, school managements, NGOs, and community leaders.

Department of School Education officials hope this study will lay the groundwork for a robust intervention to ensure continued access to secondary education across Assam.

 Also Read: Assam: School Dropout Rates Persist in Despite Government Efforts

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