Kolhapur, Apr 29 (UNI) Although the State has achieved 77 per cent literacy, the high drop-out rate from schools is a matter of great concern, Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil said here today.

He was speaking after unveiling the statue of educationist Late Bapuji Salukhe at the Swami Vivekananda Education Institute at Mangaon in Hatkanangale taluka of this district.

Lauding the contributions of Bapuji Salukhe and ''Karmaveer'' Late Bhaurao Patil, the eputy Chief Minister pointed out that it was due to their efforts that the state can boast of 77 per cent literacy.

However, Mr Patil lamented that even now, fifteen per cent of the students dropped out after the fourth standard, sixteen per cent dropped out after the seventh standard and 22 per cent after the twelfth standard.

The State is making every effort to reduce the drop-out rate, Mr Patil said while pointing out that the government spends Rs 10,000 crore on education annually.

Mangaon, incidentally, holds historic importance as the ruler of the former princely state of Kolhapur Rajarshi Chhatrapti Shahu Maharaj and architect of the Indian Constitution Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar had jointly addressed a convention here in 1920. Mr Patil assured that to commemorate the event, the State Government will recommend to the Centre to set up a memorial here.

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