Over 3,000 Dropouts Re-enrolled in Panipat Schools

Over 3,000 Dropouts Re-enrolled in Panipat Schools

As of October 2026, over 3,066 school dropout children have been re-engaged with mainstream education in Panipat district over the last three academic years. This year, the Education Department enrolled 1,236 Out-of-School Children (OoSC) in the district.

Challenges Faced by Children

Panipat is recognized for its handloom and textile products. However, industrial growth has presented challenges for children, particularly those of migrant laborers. According to available information, over four lakh migrant labourers work in various industries and agricultural settings.

The Re-Engagement Initiative

To address this, the Education Department launched a special initiative, the OoSC (Kadam) programme, in Haryana in October 2016. This program aims to provide specialized training to children aged between 7 and 14 who have dropped out of school.

Program Details

• A survey is conducted to identify OoSCs in the district.
• Special training centers (STCs) are established on government school campuses.
• Each STC accommodates 25 to 35 students.
• A six-month bridge course is provided.

Enrollment Numbers (2025-26)

In the 2025-26 academic year, the Education Department enrolled 919 OoSCs and provided training at 34 STCs, with 770 students re-enrolled in age-appropriate classes.

Enrollment Numbers (Previous Years)

• 2023-24: 1,277 OoSCs enrolled, 1,175 re-enrolled.
• 2024-25: 1,206 OoSCs enrolled, 1,171 re-enrolled.
• 2025-26: 919 OoSCs enrolled, 770 re-enrolled.

Support for Re-Enrolled Students

Education volunteers, appointed through the Deputy Commissioner’s office, provide ongoing support to re-enrolled students. They receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 11,400, including Rs 10,000 for honorarium, Rs 1,000 for transportation, and Rs 400 for internet facilities.

Next Steps

The Education Department has identified 1,354 OoSCs aged between 7 and 14 in Panipat district for the current academic year (2026-27), with 1,236 already enrolled. Further enrollment and training are ongoing.

Source: The Tribune. Featured image credit: The Tribune.