Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education
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© UNICEF |
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Dropout rates in primary school (grades 1-5), % |
While there is room for substantial progress in poorer states to increase primary enrolment and completion, achieving the education-related MDG of universal enrolment and completion poses serious challenges.
Gross enrolment in primary schools rose from 84.6% in 1992-93 to 95.4% in 2002-03. The introduction of mid-days meals, the opening of alternate schools, promoting the participation of Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) and massive enrolment drives contributed to the increase.
Around 42 million children aged 6-10 are not attending school.
While enrolment has increased significantly, and there has been a reduction in disparities between boys and girls over the past decade, dropout rates remain high due to the poor quality of services. About 1/3 of all children leave before finishing primary school.
