The state has issued a deadline for schools to find children who are out of school and bring them back into mainstream education. As per a statement issued by the government, if any child is found out of school with­i­n 3 km radius of a government school, the principal would be held responsible.

However, many school principals say that the government must go beyond offering midday meals to attract children. Prashant Red­ij, spokesperson for Maharashtra School Principals’ Association, said, “Most of these kids are form age group of 11-14, who start with small jobs to earn wha­tever they can for the family. A midday meal isn’t enough to retain them.”