Chandigarh, November 21: Punjab has launched a statewide door-to-door survey aimed at compiling accurate data on children aged 3 to 19, with a particular focus on those who are not enrolled in school. The survey, underway since November 18, will serve as the basis for the state’s education planning for 2026–27.
Officials said the exercise is intended to capture the status of children who often remain outside formal records—particularly those from migrant labour families, construction worker households and nomadic communities. Teams have also been told to identify children engaged in hazardous or informal work, such as at roadside eateries or workshops.
According to the education department, the survey will help determine resource requirements, including potential locations for new schools, recruitment of teachers and the need for targeted support through special training programmes or residential schooling.
Government school heads are required to supervise the survey in their respective areas and verify the majority of entries to ensure accuracy. All data will be uploaded digitally, forming a central database for planning and monitoring.
Officials said the initiative is expected to provide clearer insights into gaps in access to education and guide the design of future interventions aimed at bringing every eligible child into the school system.
