SRINAGAR: Adolescent girls in Jammu and Kashmir continue to face significant dropout rates at the upper primary and secondary education levels, despite some minor improvements recorded in recent years. Data presented in the Lok Sabha indicates persistent challenges in retaining female students, particularly as they transition to higher grades.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, official figures reveal that in the upper primary segment (classes 6-8), the dropout rate for girls has shown a gradual decline. In the academic year 2020-21, approximately 4.1 percent of girls in these grades dropped out. This figure has since decreased, standing at 3.2 percent by the academic year 2024-25.
However, the situation at the secondary level (classes 9-10) presents a more concerning picture. The dropout rate for girls in these grades has been substantially higher and more volatile. Starting at 4.6 percent in 2020-21, the rate escalated steadily, reaching a peak of 12.6 percent in the academic year 2023-24. While there was a slight improvement to 12.2 percent in 2024-25, the secondary-level dropout rate remains a significant issue, highlighting difficulties in retaining adolescent girls in school during these crucial years.
The trend suggests that a considerable number of adolescent girls are leaving the education system during their transition to higher secondary education. While the upper primary dropout rates have relatively stabilised, the higher and fluctuating rates at the secondary level underscore systemic challenges. Experts attribute these persistent issues to a complex interplay of social, economic, and accessibility factors that disproportionately affect girls in the region.
When compared to national averages, Jammu and Kashmir performs better than the country’s overall rate in retaining girls at the upper primary level. However, the secondary-level dropout rate in the Union Territory significantly exceeds India’s overall rate of 9.6 percent for the academic year 2024-25. This disparity points to the need for targeted interventions specifically designed to address the barriers faced by adolescent girls pursuing education beyond the primary stages.
Official analyses suggest that continued efforts are required to enhance educational inclusivity and retention. The implementation of robust support mechanisms, including scholarships, community engagement programs aimed at raising awareness about the importance of girls’ education, and improvements in school infrastructure and accessibility, are considered vital. These measures are intended to create a more supportive learning environment and encourage girls to complete their secondary education, thereby contributing to their long-term empowerment and development.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
