District Collector Sumit Kumar expressed concern over the growing number of school dropouts despite the introduction of welfare benefits such as free books, uniforms, footwear, and even the Thalliki Vandanam scheme by the State government. “Several children continue to leave schools and this malady should be addressed immediately,” he said.
The Collector was addressing a review meeting with mandal education officers (MEOs) and cluster headmasters at the Collectorate here on Thursday.
Sumit Kumar highlighted the imminent need to transform Chittoor into a district with zero dropouts and excellent academic standards. “As many as 4,447 dropouts were identified this year. School headmasters must visit each child’s home, offer a patient hearing to their challenges, and get them back to the classrooms,” he said. He also directed the teachers to “adopt” dropout students, visit their homes at least five times, counsel the parents, and explain the benefits of education.
“The staff entrusted with the duty of bringing back school dropouts should track the students who studied in 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic year, and confirm they are continuing their studies in 2025–26. Those missing from the classrooms must be re‑enrolled,” Sumit Kumar said.
“Teachers of government schools are capable of imparting quality education to the students. They also hold the potential to address the learning gaps among their students,” he said, adding that this phenomenon helped the government schools in Chittoor district post remarkable improvement in the Class 10 results this year.
Published – July 24, 2025 06:51 pm IST
