Maharashtra: Education department to undertake 10-day survey to identify out-of-school children

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The Maharashtra education department has decided to undertake a 10-day survey to identify out-of-school children after several reports suggested an increased learning disparity among students due to the COVID-19 enforced lockdown. The survey will identify out-of-school children and bring them back into the formal system.

According to a report in Times of India, the education department has set up committees at the state and district level to undertake a drive between March 1 and 10. The drive will identify students between the ages of 6 and 18 years who are out of school. A Government Resolution (GR) in this regard was issued on Tuesday.

Officials from various government departments have been roped in for the 10-day drive.

"With the pandemic in play last year and schools shut, we have been faced with new challenges with respect to out-of-school students. There is a risk that with higher migration, there could be a rise in the number of children, including girls, falling out of the formal education system and falling prey to child labour or child marriages. Thus, it is important to bring the students back to school," the government resolution stated.