LUCKNOW, Oct. 26 -- Nearly 60% of women aged 18-29 in Uttar Pradesh are not in education, employment, or training-almost four times the rate for men, revealed a joint study by the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM-L) and Educate Girls, an organisation honoured with the Ramon Magsaysay Award for its transformative work in advancing girls' education and gender equality.

With over 56% of the state's population under 25, the report suggests that second chance education through open schooling could provide marginalised youth with flexible, inclusive, and affordable opportunities to complete their studies and gain skills for employment, it added.

The study highlights the gaps and opportunities for re-engaging NEET youth, especially ...