New Delhi: A new report has revealed that four Indian states — Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Uttarakhand — recorded an impressive 91 percent retention rate among students admitted under the Right to Education (RTE) Act during the academic year 2023-24.
The Right to Education Retention Report, published by Indus Action, highlighted how children from disadvantaged groups have continued their schooling despite digital gaps and learning losses caused by the pandemic. The findings underline the resilience of students and the importance of inclusive schooling policies in ensuring continuity in education.
Odisha leads with 97 percent retention
Odisha emerged as the top performer with a 97 percent retention rate, benefiting nearly 24,834 students. The state’s strong implementation strategy and emphasis on reducing disruptions for disadvantaged children were cited as key reasons for this success.
Uttarakhand also demonstrated effective performance, while Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh showed steady improvements, making inclusive schooling under RTE more consistent across these states.
“These findings complement the National Education Policy 2020 vision of universal quality education. The 87 percent inclusion rate in school activities and 98 percent positive peer interactions demonstrate that RTE isn’t just about access, it is about fostering the social integration and holistic development that NEP emphasises,” Indus Action said in a statement.
Social integration but financial strain
The report noted that 81 percent of RTE students had built friendships across socio-economic lines, proving the programme’s role in bridging divides. However, financial challenges continue to burden families.
According to the survey, 61 percent of families still face school-related expenses, with 57 percent describing these costs as “quite difficult” to manage. Parents often bear hidden costs for uniforms, books, and transport, despite existing policy frameworks.
Tarun Cherukuri, founder and CEO of Indus Action, remarked, “While we celebrate the 91 percent retention rate as a testament to the potential of RTE’s impact, if we continue to believe in an inclusive society, we must also acknowledge that true educational equity requires reducing the harmful stress families face due to financial burdens of schooling expenses.”
Gaps in digital access
The report further highlighted the gaps in digital access that threaten to undermine these achievements. While classroom participation and peer engagement are strong, questions remain about whether RTE students can access modern digital learning tools that increasingly define quality education.
Experts caution that without addressing both financial barriers and digital inequality, the long-term gains of the RTE Act could be at risk.
Looking ahead
The report’s findings have been welcomed as evidence of the RTE Act’s role in social integration and sustained schooling. However, the challenges of affordability and digital access call for urgent policy action. Stakeholders emphasise that educational equity must extend beyond admissions and retention to ensure holistic learning outcomes for all children.