Analytical Framework The analytical frame of the study was constructed in a manner so as to facilitate the assessment of the contribution

of the NFE programme to the elimination of the worst forms of child labour. Special emphasis was given to analysing, inter alia, the following dimensions of the programme: Reviewing the present status of the NFE program using different curricula Assessing the social, economic and physical conditions of boy and girl children Identifying the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of the NFE programmes Assessing the attitude and perception of children, teachers, employers and cross-section of relevant personnel toward the NFE program and child labour, especially the WFCL. Estimating the impact of the program on the elimination of WFCL, access of children to mainstream education system and development of skills.

The data analysis involved selected descriptive and inferential statistics. Before that, appropriate dummy tables, providing framework for tabulation and analysis, were prepared. Some programme and activity-related variables were presented in terms of mean, percentile and ratios. Cross tabulation of relevant data by gender, geographical locations, age groups, type of jobs, etc. was also done. The instruments contained questions on both quantitative and qualitative variables/ indicators. In assessing the attributes, both dichotomous and polytomous variables/ indicators were incorporated. In the event of a variable being polytomous, 5-point Likert type of scale was used. The value to each response was assigned as follows: 0 Negative/extremely unfavourable degree of response 1 A little positive response 2 Somewhat positive response 3 Positive response, Extremely favourable response

In analysing various dimensions of the study, frequency tables and graphs were used. In unfolding the nature of distribution and variability of each variable measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion were deployed. In ensuring the reliability and consistency of data generated for each variable, outliers (extreme values) were detected and necessary measures were taken to overcome the problems arising out of extreme values. In view of the heterogeneity in the unit of measurement of different variables bi-

variate frequency tables along with test statistics were prepared to assess the strength of association as well as significance of association. Efforts were be made to substantiate the results obtained through interviewing and observation by the findings generated through FGDs and case studies.