Bhubaneswar: In a significant step to address school dropout rates, the Odisha government has announced a complete waiver of admission and examination fees for dropout and out-of-school children aged between 14 and 18 years. The decision aims to encourage students to resume their education through the State Institute of Open Schooling (SIOS).
According to officials, the initiative is designed to bring back children who discontinued their studies due to economic hardship, social challenges or prolonged disengagement from the formal education system. Recent assessments by the state have highlighted that a substantial number of adolescents remain outside the schooling framework, raising concerns about long-term social and employment outcomes.
Alongside the fee waiver, the School and Mass Education Department has stepped up monitoring mechanisms to prevent further dropouts. Schools have been directed to closely track student attendance and conduct home visits to identify the reasons behind prolonged absences. These interactions are intended to provide targeted support and counselling to students and families, helping them overcome barriers to continued education.
Officials said the combined approach of financial relief and proactive engagement is expected to improve re-enrolment rates and strengthen retention at the secondary level. The move aligns with the state’s broader goal of ensuring inclusive education and reducing learning gaps among vulnerable groups.
The government believes that expanding access to open schooling, coupled with stronger monitoring, will play a crucial role in reintegrating adolescents into the education system and improving their future prospects.
-OdishaAge
