Poverty, migration, child marriage pushing thousands of Odisha kids out of school

Education is considered the foundation of human life, empowering individuals with knowledge, skills, and awareness. Yet, in tribal-dominated districts like Koraput and Kalahandi, the education system is facing a severe challenge with an alarming rise in school dropouts.

The education system presents a grim picture in both districts. Dropouts among children aged 7 to 18 years are steadily rising. Instead of holding books and pens, children are being forced into daily wage labour. Many are entering into child marriages, leaving education behind.

In the Koraput district, more than 19,500 children have dropped out of school. Official data reveal that while 15,239 students left midway, around 4,338 never enrolled. The district has over 300 schools across 14 blocks, but classrooms remain half empty. Poverty, child marriage, parental neglect, and migration for labour are among the key reasons behind this crisis. Children who should be carrying books and pens are instead forced into daily wage work or early marriages.

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The district administration has launched the ‘Aasa School Jiba Abhiyan’ (Come Let’s Go to School Campaign) to bring children back to school. Door-to-door awareness drives are being conducted, and parents are being counselled on the importance of education.

The situation in Kalahandi is no different, with dropout numbers crossing 14,000. Families migrating outside the state for work often take their children along, pushing them out of school. Lack of transport facilities and poor awareness also discourage attendance.

To counter the trend, the government has rolled out the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Yojana, providing Rs 5,000 annually to SC/ST students in Classes 9 and 11. However, experts feel that more grassroots awareness and better livelihood opportunities are crucial to stem the dropout crisis.