at the upper primary level, while the Gross Enrolment ratio is 100 per cent at the
elementary level.11
2.1.2 Socio-economic differences
Despite enormous efforts in the past, a small proportion of school-age children in
remote locations, children from nomadic families, migrant children, and other
vulnerable/disadvantaged groups continue to remain out of school. The profile of Out
of School Children as per the 75th round of survey by NSS highlights the fact that
most of them (two-thirds) have never enrolled in school, while one-third dropped out.
Additionally, according to NSS data, socio-economic disadvantages appear to be the
leading causes for children being out of school in the 6-13 age group:
Reasons for being out of school
Engaged in economic activities
Not interested in education
Financial constraints
Other
Engaged in domestic activities
Marriage
Completed desired level/class
Unable to cope with studies/failure in studies
Preparation for competitive examination
School is far off
Inadequate number of teachers
No tradition in the community
Unfriendly atmosphere at school
Timings of educational institution not suitable
Boys
21.5
20.3
17.4
17.2
9.9
3.3
4.3
0.9
2.0
1.6
1.1
0.0
0.4
0.1
Girls
21.4
15.9
17.1
14.4
9.5
9.6
6.0
2.9
1.5
1.0
0.0
0.5
0.0
0.2
Total
21.5
18.1
17.2
15.8
9.7
6.4
5.1
1.9
1.8
1.3
0.5
0.3
0.2
0.1
Source: NSS data of 75th round of household survey, 2017-18
If we have a look at annual average drop-out rate gender wise and community wise,
it appears that there is not much difference in the drop-out rate of boys and girls, but
in social groups, the drop-out rate of ST is a higher in comparison to SC and OBC.12
2.1.3 Gender-related disparities
Though there is significant progress in the empowerment and socio-economic status
of women, the remnants of cultural norms, along with safety concerns, do exist even
today. This can limit the access of girls to secondary and higher education and career
opportunities, reinforcing social inequalities.
Ibid.
UDISE+ 2021-22, Ministry of Education, Government of India, https://udiseplus.gov.in/#/page/
publications.
11
12
44
Journal of the National Human Rights Commission, Vol. 22, 2023