Mumbai News: Poverty, Unsafe Surroundings & Poor Health Forcing Children Out Of School In Dharavi, Say NGOs

Despite efforts by government and NGOs, poverty, unsafe surroundings, poor health, and lack of awareness continue to push children out of the education system far too early.

“This academic year alone, more than 100 students have dropped out at different levels, and we expect the numbers to rise,” says J Chelladurai, principal of Gandhi Memorial School.

According to education activists, over 40% of children leave school before completing primary education. Another 20% drop out between Class 6 and 8, despite programmes like “Mission Zero Dropout” that try to identify and re-enroll such students.

M Swaminathan, a social worker in the education field who has worked in Dharavi for 30 years, says, “The biggest reasons are poverty, safety concerns for girls, and illiterate parents. Many children are pushed into part-time jobs just to add a few hundred rupees to the family income.”

Ricky Mahaat Bidlan, a resident of 90-feet road, says his two daughters quit school after Class 9. “It’s not safe. We worry when they step out. If this area improves, our children’s future might improve too,” he adds.

Dharavi has around 60 schools and about 33,000 students. Of these, 36 are BMC-run, while the rest are private. NGOs like Salaam Bombay Foundation and Apnalaya are helping school dropouts by offering skill-based courses and promoting girls’ education through mobile libraries and community outreach.

However, there’s another layer to the crisis. Many small primary schools in Dharavi are unregistered and lack official approvals allegedly. Recently, the state ordered the closure of Morning Star School, which had been running illegally for five years. Over 700 children were enrolled there.

According to one parent, who did not wish to be identified, students are often cramped into small classrooms with very little room to move, and most schools lack proper playgrounds. “The educational and recreational infrastructure need complete overhaul,” he said.

As the battle to educate every child continues, what remains clear is that a child’s right to learn must not depend on where they are born. As the battle to educate every child continues, what remains clear is that a child’s right to learn must not depend on where they are born. As Dharavi redevelopment progressing paving way for better infrastructure facilities, will it prevent children from school dropouts it is to be seen, as per experts