Wed Feb 04 20:26:11 UTC 2026: ### Headline: MCD Survey Reveals Thousands of Unenrolled Children in Delhi

The Story: A recent survey conducted by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) across its 12 zones has identified 4,829 children between the ages of three and 11 who are not enrolled in any primary school. The survey, which occurred during the winter break (December 2025-January 2026), saw MCD teachers conducting door-to-door visits to identify these children and collect their parents’ information.

Despite the MCD’s efforts to facilitate enrollment by simplifying the admission process and accepting readily available identity documents, they face resistance, particularly from homeless families and daily wage workers. The zone with the highest number of out-of-school children is Narela, with 1,319, followed by Shahdara South (495) and Shahdara North (450).

Key Points:

  • The MCD survey found 4,829 unenrolled children aged 3-11 in Delhi.
  • Teachers conducted door-to-door surveys during the December 2025-January 2026 winter break.
  • The MCD is simplifying the enrollment process to encourage participation.
  • Narela has the highest number of out-of-school children, with 1,319.
  • The survey also tracked school-age children and those who dropped out due to displacement or migration.

Key Takeaways:

  • A significant number of children in Delhi are still not accessing primary education, despite efforts by the MCD.
  • Displacement and migration significantly contribute to children dropping out of school.
  • Reaching homeless families and daily wage workers remains a challenge for enrollment initiatives.
  • Targeted interventions are needed in zones like Narela to address the high number of unenrolled children.

Impact Analysis:

The failure to enroll a significant number of children in primary school has far-reaching consequences for Delhi’s future. Without access to education, these children face limited opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. This issue, if left unaddressed, could strain social services, impact future workforce participation, and hinder the overall development of the city. The MCD and other relevant authorities need to intensify their efforts, tailoring strategies to address the specific needs of vulnerable populations and ensuring that every child has access to quality education. Longer-term, data from these surveys should inform policy changes and resource allocation to improve enrollment and retention rates in Delhi’s primary schools.

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