Lack of family support remains the key factor forcing girls to drop out from school and most of such children have illiterate parents, says a report released Tuesday.
A preliminary report based on a study by NGO Plan India on education of girl child shows economic needs compel 41 percent to 52 percent dropouts in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand -- three states where studies were done.
Half of the drop out girls (52 percent) expressed their desire to get back to school, says the preliminary finding released before the first 'International Day for the Girl Child', to be observed Oct 11.
The report, which is based on a study of nine districts in the three states, says boys are usually preferred for secondary education than girls.
The report also highlights that 80 percent of the girls that dropout have mothers who are illiterate. Also, only two percent of the dropout girls had fathers who had studied till graduation.
"Parent's education is directly linked to girl's chances of getting education," said Bhagyashri Dengle, executive director of Plan India.
Around a tenth of respondents in all states reported unwillingness of parents to educated girl child.