School drop out rate coming down in AP

Hyderabad, Mar 25 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Minister for School Education N Rajya Lakshmi today claimed in the state assembly that the drop out rate in schools has come down to 4.5 per cent from seven per cent after the Congress Government assumed office.

Replying to a question by L Raja Rao (BSP) the minister said this was possible through the implementation of the ''Sarva Siksha Abhiyan''. Admitting that the drop out rate in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu was lower, the minister hoped the state would catch up with those states by next year.

The Minister said that the state government had introduced a 'Boat School' on a pilot basis to help children of the fishermen to get education. ''We are taking education to the door steps of the poorer sections'' she added.

Ms Rajya Lakshmi, however, differed with the complaint of the member that non-supply of note books to poor students was resulting in high incidence of drop outs.

She said the government was supplying text books and midday meal to all weaker sections.

Those staying in weaker sections hostels are being provided note books also.

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