Chennai Corporation to survey out-of-school children in 418 schools from August

Survey to identify dropouts

The Greater Chennai Corporation is set to launch a large-scale survey of out-of-school children across 418 schools in August. The drive aims to track students who have either dropped out or never enrolled, and facilitate their return to classrooms.

Officials said the survey will cover all zones of the city. Teams will visit households and local communities to identify children in the 6-14 age group who are not attending school.

Focus on vulnerable areas

The Corporation is particularly targeting areas with high rates of child labour and migration. These zones often see children pulled out of school for work or family obligations.

Surveyors will collect data on reasons for dropout, current activities of the child, and willingness of families to re-enroll them. The information will be compiled to design tailored interventions.

Re-enrollment and support

Once identified, children will be enrolled in age-appropriate classes under the Right to Education Act. The Corporation will also coordinate with NGOs and government schemes to provide mid-day meals, uniforms, and textbooks.

Officials stressed that no child will be turned away. Special bridge courses will be arranged for those who have been out of school for a long time, to help them catch up with peers.

Monitoring and follow-up

The survey will be conducted by school teachers and volunteers, who will receive training beforehand. Data will be digitized and tracked through a central dashboard to ensure all children are accounted for.

Monthly reviews have been planned to check progress. The Corporation aims to complete the survey within six weeks, with re-enrollment drives running parallel.

This is not the first such effort by the civic body, but officials say the scale and systematic approach this time is larger than before. Past drives have faced challenges in tracking highly mobile families, but the use of digital tools is expected to improve accuracy.

Parents who wish to enroll their children can also approach the nearest Corporation school directly. Helpline numbers will be announced closer to the survey launch date.

The survey begins in August, and the Corporation expects to have preliminary data by September. Success will depend on sustained community engagement and follow-through on re-enrollment promises.