India, Sept. 19 -- An estimated 4.74 crore children in India remain outside the school system, experts said at a consultation organised by Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre (JAC) Society and India Habitat Centre (IHC) on September 14, calling for stronger alternative and flexible education pathways to reach them.

The consultation, titled "Alternative and Innovative Education for Out of School Children (OOSC) and Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs): The Role of CSOs," was held at Casurina, IHC, bringing together educationists, Government representatives and civil society organisations to discuss educational exclusion and learner-centred pathways for children outside formal schooling.

Moderating the discussion, Amod K Kanth, Founder ...