He said at a function to mark the release of ``The State of the World's Children-1999,'' an annual UNICEF publication. The report was released by Sudhur Mankad, additional chief secretary (education). This year the report focuses on education, a fundamental right of children, which remains denied in many parts of the world, including India.

``UNICEF wants to draw the attention of governments to education because denial of the right to basic quality education has a powder-keg implications for children, societies, and the social and global prosperity,'' said Marali Dharan.

Though the right to education for all children is enshrined in the Constitution of India and on the Rights of the Child, ratified by India in 1992, only Kerala so far has reached universal primary education.

In the state, all villages have a school within one kilometre and 95 per cent of children enroll in primary education. The state government spends 12 per cent of its annual outlay for elementary education, which is the third highest expenditure in the country.

But some 26 per cent of children drop out of school during the first year of schooling, as a result of which only 60 per cent of children aged 6-11 complete primary education. Girls, children belonging to scheduled caste and scheduled tribe, disabled children and children living in urban slums are disadvantaged.

Some 32 per cent of girls in 6-14 age group never enroll in school due to gender discrimination. However, unfriendly school environment, lack of participatory teaching method and irrelevance of school curriculum discourage parents from sending their children to school.

The UNICEF report points out that children who do not go to school are more likely to become victims of economic and sexual exploitation. On the other hand primary education for all children leads to lower infant mortality rates, skilled workers, and a drop in population growth.