India, Aug. 4 -- A high dropout rate, teacher shortage and poor utilisation of central funds have affected the implementation of the Samagra Shiksha scheme in West Bengal, according to a performance audit report by the CAG.

The audit, which examined scheme execution across the State between 2019-20 and 2023-24, highlighted a massive 28 to 42 per cent transition loss between upper primary and higher secondary levels.

The audit team conducted a field survey of 581 out-of-school kids across 21 high schools in six test-checked districts to ascertain the reasons behind the high dropout rate.

"The survey highlighted dropouts mainly due to financial constraints, early marriage and intentions of early earnings among students," the report said....