1,815 students in Chikkamagaluru remain out of school

As many as 1,815 children between the age group of 6-16 have remained out of schools due to reasons like engagement in labour, lack of interest and because of ignorant parents.

During a survey carried out by the Department of Education to identify Out Of School Children (OOSC) in all eight education blocks in the district during 2018-19, it has been revealed that the children remaining out of schools in the plane region outnumber those in Malnad region.

Most of the children are deployed to plantation works and construction labour.

OOSC district nodal officer Satish said that the children from migrating families comprise a major part of those who are out of school children. About 70% of out of school children are from class nine and 10. The reason for these children remaining out of the schools is lagging behind in studies.

The public may inform the education department if children from six to 16 years of age are found working outside. The government had made facilities of tent schools to ensure education to the children from migrating families. If the children do not have parents or guardians, they could be accommodated in residential hostels as well, the officer said.

DDPI Prasanna Kumar C said that the department is all set to bring out the data on out of school children. The block and cluster-wise list of the children has been prepared. Campaigns will be conducted to create awareness in this regard.

Five transit schools have been opened in the district to facilitate education to the children from migrating families. Four schools are in Lakya hobli itself. Many people in this region have migrated to various parts due to droughts. Children from these families will be provided with food and accommodation in transit schools.