Dropouts remain one of the most pressing challenges in the education system, and the Delhi government is now taking a serious step toward understanding and addressing the issue. In a major initiative to enhance the overall quality of school education and reduce dropout rates, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has launched multiple in-depth studies across the capital’s schools.
A significant focus of this research is to examine the reasons behind student dropouts, especially among those attending government and government-aided schools. Central to this effort is the evaluation of Right to Education (RTE) entitlements, particularly the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme. This scheme, which provides hot, nutritious meals to schoolchildren, has long been seen as a vital tool in keeping children enrolled. The current study will analyze how effective this scheme truly is in preventing dropouts and promoting consistent attendance.
But meals and attendance are only part of the picture. The SCERT is also taking a broader look at how the education system can adapt to the demands of a changing world. One of the research components explores the evolving role of teachers in an era increasingly shaped by digital technology and artificial intelligence. As virtual learning tools and AI-powered platforms become more common in classrooms, the study will assess how teachers can stay relevant, effective, and connected to students’ needs.
Leadership within schools is another key area under review. The SCERT has been conducting training programs for school heads to help them better manage and lead their institutions. The current study aims to assess the impact of these programs and whether school heads are making data-driven decisions. Specifically, the research will investigate whether they are actively tracking enrolment, monitoring attendance, and responding to dropout trends with targeted actions that boost student retention and academic performance.
Improving teacher quality is also high on the agenda. A separate strand of the study focuses on finding practical ways to measure and enhance teacher performance. This includes looking at classroom engagement, lesson delivery, and overall effectiveness in improving student learning outcomes.
To gather accurate and real-world insights, SCERT and the District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) are deploying field investigators to a selection of schools across Delhi. These schools are chosen randomly to ensure a wide range of perspectives and contexts. Investigators will be speaking with school heads, teachers, students, and parents — the people who interact most closely with the education system — to collect meaningful data.
All findings and reports from the stakeholders are expected to be submitted by May 10. Once compiled, the insights will inform future policy-making and educational reforms in Delhi. This evidence-based approach aims to not only identify the causes behind student dropouts but also build a more inclusive, efficient, and responsive school system.
By focusing on dropouts through a multi-pronged research initiative, the Delhi government is taking a crucial step toward ensuring every child has the opportunity to stay in school, learn well, and thrive in a modern educational environment.
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