Determinants of School Dropouts in Rural Coastal Andhra Pradesh: An Empirical Study

Abstract

This is an empirical study of 3 government schools in the Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh- ZPHS Ippili, A.P.M.S. Tamada, and Government High School Ranasthalam. It attempts to examine the causal elements behind the school drop out rates in this rural coastal region of Andhra Pradesh. Regardless of the introduction of "RTE Act, 2009 " and other government programs like "Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Mid-day Meal Scheme, and National Educational Policy 2020" dropout rates are still above the national average. This research uses mixed research design which incorporates qualitative and quantitative data. The results reveal that the causes of high rates of dropout are mostly domestic obligations, inadequate infrastructure, parental ignorance, and poverty especially in fishing communities. The role of the Panchayat Education committees, the uneven execution of the educational programmes and the lack of awareness regarding the same initiatives is also noted in this research. It supports the intensification of support programs, through strengthening of support programs like the Talliki Vandanam, by improving school infrastructure, through empowering the parents, via educational outreach, and encouraging local non-governmental organizations to work together with government bodies. The study finds that the solution to the issue of school dropout is a multi-faceted approach that the various stakeholders in the education industry should be the family, school, and local self-governmental bodies.

Keywords: Government Schemes, Panchayati Raj, Parental Negligence, Rural Education, School Dropouts