Dropout Education in Andhra Pradesh: Current Status and Prospects

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has unleashed a new era in School Education by introducing extensive curricular reforms by bringing in a curriculum of national standards, teaching methods and an appropriate third party assessment system to the children studying in the Government schools with a long - term objective of preparing children for the challenges and career opportunities of 21st century so that they would grow into Global Citizens. The School Education Department of Andhra Pradesh, the largest department of the state, manages and regulates schools in various districts of the state. The primary and secondary school education is imparted by government, aided and private schools. These schools are categorized as urban, rural and residential schools. In 1950 - 51, the enrolment of girls was only 16 lakhs out of total enrolment of 67 lakhs in Class VI - VIII, then it followed an upward trend and in the year 2011 - 12, the enrolment of girls was 299 lakhs out of 630 lakh total enrolment. The enrolment rate of girls was 23.88 per cent in 1950 - 51 session and it increased up to 47.46 per cent in the 2011 - 12 session. The increase in this percentage is more than double, but even in 2011 - 12, fewer girls were enrolled in elementary school as compared to boys. Gender gaps in education increased with the level of education and if there are gaps in school enrolment then these gaps continue till higher education.