Rate of average annual dropout in schools India 2015-2016 by level
Early childhood education
India’s infant mortality rates in India have decreased over the years with the help of government initiatives. The government launched “Anganwadis” in 1975, to provide adequate medical care and to combat hunger and malnutrition in children. These government-funded childcare centers enroll children as young as six months old. Across India, there are more than a million Anganwadis that deliver early education, health, and nutrition services. These centers also provide pre-primary education for children below five years.
Free education and midday meals
With low levels of reading literacy among eighth graders, faring well in the upcoming at the later stage, in the secondary school classes could be challenging. The government-run public schools provide free and compulsory education as a fundamental right to children between the ages of six and fourteen. To improve the nutritional status and attendance of school children, the Indian government implemented the "Midday Meal Scheme" that offers free lunch to all students on working days. While simplistic in its approach, one meal taken care of during the day helps parents in the lower income groups, specifically those that depend on daily/hourly wages.