Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
In recent years, the impacts of climate change have become increasingly apparent, leaving no corner of the globe untouched. While its effects are felt by all, it is important to recognise that certain vulnerable populations bear a disproportionate burden. Among them are children in India, who face significant challenges to their education and health as a result of climate change. A comprehensive analysis of the data underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these intersecting concerns.
In India, children face significant challenges to their education and health due to climate change, leading to disproportionately high school dropout rates. Analysing state-wise data reveals the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these intersecting concerns. This article highlights specific regions affected and emphasizes the necessity of prompt action.
Education Challenges Exacerbated by Climate Change:
Education, a crucial driver of social and economic progress, is under threat as climate change exacerbates existing barriers for children in India. Extreme weather events, including floods, cyclones, and droughts, have become more frequent and intense, leading to the destruction of infrastructure and the disruption of educational activities. According to data from the Ministry of Education, approximately 37% of schools in India lack adequate protection against these climatic events, leaving students, particularly those in marginalized communities, at a higher risk of interrupted education.
Socio-Cultural Norms and Gender Disparity:
In minority communities, traditional gender roles and socio-cultural norms further exacerbate the impact of climate change on education. Girls, in particular, often bear the burden of household responsibilities, which increases during times of environmental crises. As families grapple with the aftermath of disasters or struggle to adapt to changing conditions, the pressure on young girls to drop out of school and assist with domestic tasks intensifies.
While writing this article, a shocking fact also came to the fore during the research. The Cross Dependency Initiative, a well-known think tank in the field of climate risk, published a report in February 2023. According to this report, 9 states of India have been considered most vulnerable in the world due to climate change. But the more shocking thing is that in these 9 states, apart from Kerala, the school dropout rate of children in the remaining 8 states is the highest and shocking. That is, it is clear that due to the threat of climate change, the rate of school dropout is increasing in the states. Let's take a look at these state-wise figures:
State-Wise Impact on School Dropout Rates:
Punjab: A glittering image with rising dropout rates says everything. Recent statistics from the Union Ministry of Education indicate a significant increase in the dropout rate at the secondary level in government schools in Punjab. The rate has risen from 1.6% in 2019-20 to 17.2% in 2021-22, surpassing the national average for the first time in five academic sessions.
Bihar: Highest dropout rates has recorded in recent years. Bihar has recorded the highest dropout rates among schools over a three-year period, with rates of 13.3% in 2017-18, 12.9% in 2018-19, and 9.2% in 2019-20.
Uttar Pradesh: Rising dropout rates and enrollment concerns are biggest red mark. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2022 reveals a significant increase in the proportion of school-going children taking paid tuition classes in Uttar Pradesh. The state also shows high dropout rates among girls, with a 15% dropout rate in the 15-16 age group.
Maharashtra: School Closures and Increasing dropout rates are clearly visible in this developed state. The economic survey of Maharashtra for 2022-23 highlights a decline in the number of primary schools and an increasing dropout rate in secondary schools, signaling the need for efforts to bring out-of-school children back into the educational system.
Rajasthan: India's often water-struggled state is no exception in terms of dropout rates.The Ministry of Education's report on school education in Rajasthan for 2020-21 indicates a high dropout rate in secondary classes due to school closures, irregular online classes, and economic hardships faced by low-income families.
Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu has witnessed a significant 100% increase in the dropout rates among students in classes IX and X over a span of three years. Factors such as lack of interest, financial constraints, family pressure, and alternative career options contribute to this concerning trend.
Gujarat: According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), rural areas in Gujarat face significant dropout issues, with low transition rates from primary to higher secondary education. Dropout rates for girls increase as they age, highlighting the need for targeted measures to address this issue.
Assam: State stunned everyone with highest dropout rates in India. Assam has the highest school dropout rates in India at both the primary and secondary levels. The dropout rates in the state remain high, surpassing the national average, indicating the urgent need for interventions to prevent children from leaving school.
Climate change presents a pressing reality that demands immediate attention to safeguard the education and health of children in India. The disproportionate impact of climate change on school dropout rates calls for targeted measures to ensure a just and equitable future for all. Urgent efforts are needed to address infrastructure vulnerabilities, promote gender equality, and implement rewarding educational measures. By prioritizing these interventions, India can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on education and pave the way for a brighter future for its children.