Determinants of School Dropouts in Rural Coastal Andhra Pradesh: An Empirical Study

This is an empirical study of 3 government schools in the Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh- ZPHS Ippili, A.P.M.S. Tamada, and Government High School Ranasthalam. It attempts to examine the causal elements behind the school drop out rates in this rural coastal region of Andhra Pradesh. Regardless of the introduction of "RTE Act, 2009 " and other government programs like "Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Mid-day Meal Scheme, and National Educational Policy 2020" dropout rates are still above the national average. This research uses mixed research design which incorporates qualitative and quantitative data. The results reveal that the causes of high rates of dropout are mostly domestic obligations, inadequate infrastructure, parental ignorance, and poverty especially in fishing communities. The role of the…