Overview The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) under the Ministry of Education will roll out a country‑wide drive to identify and enrol out‑of‑school and dropout children. The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) goal of attaining 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) from pre‑school to secondary level by 2030 . Key Developments Launch of an enrolment drive targeting the estimated 2 crore children (aged 14‑18) and the 11% of students in Grades 3‑8 who are out of school, as per the PLFS 2023‑24 report. Mobilisation of NIOS officials to work with States/UTs for identification, counselling and enrolment of out‑of‑school children. Introduction of the "NIOS Mitra" programme for last‑mile connectivity, especially for tribal, migrant, minority and economically disadvantaged groups. Expansion of NIOS infrastructure: establishing at least one Study and Examination Centre in every block, leveraging existing PM SHRI schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas and government senior secondary schools. Promotion of flexible admission, multiple exam attempts, an On‑Demand Examination System , and vocational courses aligned with employability. Important Facts • Over 10,800 NIOS Study and Examination Centres already exist across the country, providing a scalable platform for flexible learners. • More than 50 lakh students fail board examinations annually, underscoring the need for alternative pathways. • The drive will be data‑driven, using district‑level surveys from State/UT governments to pinpoint out‑of‑school children. UPSC Relevance Understanding this initiative is crucial for GS‑2 (Polity) as it illustrates federal‑state collaboration, policy implementation mechanisms, and the role of autonomous bodies like NIOS. For GS‑3 (Economy), the focus on GER and skill‑based courses ties into human‑resource development and labour market outcomes. The statistical references (PLFS, GER targets) are typical of data‑driven governance questions in the exam. Way Forward To meet the 2030 GER target, the Ministry must ensure: Robust monitoring of enrolment and learning outcomes through digital dashboards. Continuous capacity building of NIOS Mitra facilitators, especially in remote areas. Integration of NIOS certifications with mainstream higher‑education and vocational pathways. Periodic impact assessments to refine outreach strategies and address emerging gaps. Successful execution will not only boost enrolment numbers but also advance the broader vision of a Viksit Bharat 2047 and an Aatmanirbhar Bharat through inclusive education.