Bhubaneswar: Dropout rates in Odisha schools have remained minimal at the primary and upper primary levels but continue to be high at the secondary level, School & Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond informed the state assembly on Friday.
In a written reply to a question by Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati, the minister said that between 2014–15 and 2018–19, dropout rates were just 0.7% at the primary level (I–V), 3.2% at the upper primary level (VI–VIII), while the secondary level (IX–X) recorded a significantly higher 15%.
The minister also provided year-wise dropout data for 30 districts, revealing fluctuations over recent years:
- 2020–21: Primary – 0.00%, Upper Primary – 0.00%, Secondary – 16.04%
- 2021–22: Primary – 0.00%, Upper Primary – 7.34%, Secondary – 27.26%
- 2022–23: Primary – 0.00%, Upper Primary – 3.15%, Secondary – 17.72%
- 2023–24: Primary – 0.00%, Upper Primary – 2.00%, Secondary – 12.80%
- 2024–25: Primary – 0.70%, Upper Primary – 3.20%, Secondary – 15.00%
The data indicates that while dropout rates at the primary and upper primary levels have remained negligible over the years, secondary schools continue to face challenges, with some districts reporting dropout rates exceeding 25%.
The minister highlighted ongoing measures by the state government to address the issue, including improving infrastructure, increasing student engagement programs, and strengthening retention schemes at the secondary level.
