Speak up Delhi: Dropout rate a serious issue in civic-run schools

A recent report released on the condition of public schooling in the national capital, once again raised the alarm on the "deteriorating condition" of the school run by the Municipal Corporations of Delhi (MCDs).

"The estimated dropout percentage in schools run by the North MCD is 6.1 per cent, South MCD is 6 per cent in the academic year 2016-17," the report titled 'State of Public (School) Education in Delhi 2017' released by the NGO Praja Foundation on Thursday. The East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC), however, has not provided any information on the number of dropouts in their schools.

On average, from the three Municipal Corporations, in the last three years (2014-15 to 2016-17), the EDMC has witnessed the maximum dropout followed by North Delhi Municipal Corporation. Highest drop of 30 per cent being reported in Class 1, between 2010 to 2017.

The data was compiled on the basis of RTI received from 640 schools of MCD. These schools offer education from Class 1 to Class 5. Afterwards, students move to government-run schools.

The report also highlighted the status of teacher quality in these schools with 55 per cent of MCD schools show a medium level of teacher quality. "On an average, teachers from 55% MCD schools reported to have a medium level of teaching quality based on the various parameters under SSEF whereas 34% reported to have a high quality of teaching," it said.

In a bid to provide inclusive education under the right to Education Act, 2009, a ramp for differentially-abled is mandatory in every school under RTE norms. However, in the academic 2016- 17, 21% of the NDMC schools, 8% of SDMC and 15% of EDMC schools did not have ramps for the differently-abled students.

Officials at the corporations, however cite "lack of resources" as the reason behind all these discrepancies. "We are always short of resources. We don't even have money to spend on basic infrastructure," a senior education official at the corporation said.

However, the Praja report said that "there is no constraint on available resources"."In terms of the infrastructure available, teacher quality and budget allocation, there is no constraint on available resources. The corporation is faring well on the student teacher ratio, the quality of teacher is above average and the budget estimate being set by the state government at 49,740 rupees per child," it said.

CRUNCHING FIGURES

18,860
The number of students who dropped out from New Delhi Municipal Corporation schools in the academic year 2016-17

15,787
The number of students who opted out from the schools run by South Delhi Municipal Corporation for the academic year 2016-17.

BUDGET ESTIMATE (2016-17)

NDMC: Rs 15,505 lakh

SDMC Rs 12,360 lakh

EDMC: 14,075 lakh

EXPERT SPEAK

“We have well-trained teachers who are being selected through an entrance exam conducted Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board. In terms of dropout rate, there are two reasons behind it is including regular relocation of slum clusters and the primary classes started by the Delhi government schools. People prefer to send their children in one school rather than changing their schools after Class 5”

Tilak Raj Kataria, standing committee chairman North MCD

VOICES

I don’t believe in the quality of education in government schools. Around 15 years back when I had to choose school for my children, I opted for private school. And any parent would do the same as everybody wants to give best education to their child. Primary education makes the base of a student and it should be very strong for a better future which is not possible in public schools.

Ritu Jain, Housewife

The quality of government schools is getting better as compared to previous years. When I took admission in school, my parents did not even consider the option of public schools. Society taboo was a major reason behind it. Nobody wants to say that I have studied in public schools. But now the conditions are improving and I feel the next generation will have a more positive perspective for public schools.

Aditya Jain, Engineering student

I took admission in government school when private schools rejected me for admission as I was from Bihar. I have done my higher education from there and it was the time when Aam Admi Party was promising (as their election agenda) that bribe taker will go through the rough ways. The irony is I had to give bribe on the very day when AAP won the elections.

Aaryan Chand Prakash, Student

If I would have this option of making choice between public and private schools, I would definitely choose the later one. Many reasons can be listed to justify my choice. For instance, teachers are kept busy with other activities like election duties, function preparations that leaves no time with them to teach students. Education quality is not up to the standards of tough competitions.

Kavita Gupta, Housewife

I definitely will not choose public schools for my daughter. Government is lacking in many aspects for making the education system better and cheaper. There is no infrastructure in government schools, the toilets are not proper and also less efficient staff. When the basic needs are not fulfilled the quality education is a far sight. Also the class which is mostly associated with public schools is low and thus prevent the overall growth of the children.

Razia Malik, Housewife