Maharashtra | Dropout rate of Muslim students in state up: CAG report

More Muslim students are dropping out of schools in Maharashtra than before, a recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report said. 

On the face of it, the report calls into question the state's implementation of the Right to Education Act, 2009, which guarantees free and compulsory education to every child up to Std VIII.

However, Prof Abdul Shaban, deputy director, Tata Institute of Social Science, has a different perspective. “Most Muslim children study in government schools, especially in Urdu medium, which are already facing a severe attendance crisis. 

“Muslim employment in government sector is not increasing even after the implementation of the Sachar report. This compels children to do odd jobs than attending schools,” he said. 

The CAG report was based on the findings by UDISE (Unified District Information System for Education). 

The dropout rate of students belonging to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe community was better during 2010-14.