SRINAGAR: The official figures show that the retention rates at the primary level up to grade V and the elementary level up to grade VII in Jammu and Kashmir are lower than the national average.
According to local news agency KNO, official documents indicate that “The retention rate at the primary level up to grade V is 84 percent, and the elementary level up to grade VII is only 66 percent.” This is below the national average.
However, the documents also report a 7 percent increase in the retention rate at the secondary level compared to the previous year.
“The Union Territory (UT) needs to undertake initiatives to ensure 100 percent retention of children in the education system,” it suggests.
Meanwhile, authorities have emphasised the importance of ongoing efforts and need-based strategies to enhance retention. “The analysis indicates a significant number of students repeating grades and dropping out at the upper primary level compared to the primary level.”
Referring to the current retention rate per UDISE+ 2021-22, the documents state that the retention rate at the Primary Level is 84 percent, and at the elementary level, it stands at 66 percent. (KNO)