West Bengal launch open-air classroom programme ‘Paray Shikshalaya.

Why in news?

• West Bengal government has launched an open-air classroom programme Paray Shikshalaya (Neighbourhood Schools) for primary and pre-primary students.
• Under the scheme, elementary education will be provided to students of class 1 to class 5. The classes will be conducted on ground. The students will be encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities.
• Mid – day meals will be provided.

Need for the scheme

• According to NITI Aayog, the dropout rate in primary level in 2010-11 was 6.61%.
• Also, after COVID, the number students coming to schools have decreased all over India.
• The rural areas of West Bengal do not have optimal internet services. In this condition, the open room classroom is the best way to bring in the primary school children.