The dropout rate at the primary school level in the State is much lower than that of the national average, claimed School and Mass Education Minister Debi Prasad Mishra in the Assembly on Thursday.
Mishra said the State’s dropout rate has been reduced to 3.81 per cent against the national average of 4.67 per cent.
The percentage of literacy in tribal areas has also increased from 24.2 per cent to 29.83 per cent now, he said.
The attendance of students increased from 77.11 per cent in 2011 to 81.41 per cent in 2012, 82.27 per cent in 2013 and 82.63 per cent in 2014, he said.
Admitting that there is a shortage of trained teachers, Mishra said the Government has decided to open a one-year course at the Plus Three level for producing more BEd teachers.
The number of CT schools has been increased from 3,000 to 6,400 and the number of BEd colleges has been increased from 1,264 to 1,700.
Replying to a question, Mishra said a comprehensive protocol is being prepared for protection of school kids and it would be sent to all the schools soon to prevent the occurrence of Bangalore-type incident.