15 crore kids, youths out of education system: Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan

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At least 15 crore children and youths are out of the country's formal education system, and roughly about 25 crore people are below the primary definition of literacy (being able to read and write), Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said Thursday.

He was addressing a session on "job creation and entrepreneurship" organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Pradhan said about 35 crore children and youths aged 3-22 years are enrolled in government, private and charitable schools, anganwadis, higher education institutions and in the entire skilling ecosystem, and the total population of this age group is 50 crore.

"This means that at least 15 crore children and youths are out of the formal education system. We want to bring them into the education system as it is necessary to ensure a productive workforce in the economy," he added.

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