A recent survey by the State School Education Department identified a total of 1,528 out-of-school children across Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. Concerns have been raised by educationists and activists who believe that the actual number of out-of-school students may have been underreported.

The survey took place from August 17 to August 31, 2023, with the aim of locating out-of-school, migrant, and irregular school students between the ages of 3 and 18. According to data from the deputy director of school education`s office, the highest number of out-of-school children among the four districts was found in Palghar, with a total of 928 out-of-school students, of which 676 were from Dahanu taluka. Thane zilla parishad reported 380 out-of-school students, while Mumbai and the Raigad zilla parishad reported 182 and 38 out-of-school students, respectively.