Vulnerable Sections: Tribal Education in India

Why in the News?

The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) is set to celebrate its 7th Foundation Day on April 1, 2025, at Akashwani Bhawan, New Delhi. The event will be attended by key dignitaries, including Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, and Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Durgadas Uikey. The celebration will feature keynote speeches, cultural performances, student felicitation, and a special screening highlighting NESTS’ contributions to tribal education. Since its inception, NESTS has played a transformative role in expanding Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), improving infrastructure, and enhancing learning opportunities for tribal students. The Foundation Day will underscore its achievements and reinforce the government’s commitment to providing quality education, skill development, and cultural preservation for tribal communities.

What is NESTS?

The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. It was established to implement and manage Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), which aim to provide quality education to tribal children across the country. NESTS plays a crucial role in ensuring that tribal students receive the necessary educational support, infrastructure, and opportunities for holistic development.

Key Features of NESTS:

1. Manages over 700 EMRS schools nationwide, aiming for 1 school per block with 50% ST population.
2. Provides free residential education to ST students, covering tuition, food, and accommodation.
3. Focuses on STEM education, sports, and skill development for tribal students.
4. Ensures teacher training and digital learning initiatives in tribal areas.
5. Works in collaboration with state governments to enhance education accessibility.

Status of Tribal Education in India

1. Data on Tribal Education: As per the National Sample Survey (NSS) and Census 2011, the literacy rate among Scheduled Tribes (STs) in India stands at 59%, which is significantly lower than the national literacy rate of 77.7% (as per NSO survey 2021). The female literacy rate among STs is even lower, around 49%, highlighting the gender disparity in education. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2022 suggests that dropout rates among tribal students remain high, especially at the secondary level. Around 70% of tribal students drop out before completing high school. Only 4% of ST students pursue higher education.
2. Schools and Infrastructure: The government has established Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), Ashram Schools, and Kendriya Vidyalayas in tribal regions, but their reach is still limited.Poor infrastructure, lack of basic amenities like electricity, potable water, and digital resources continue to affect tribal education. The Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) in tribal schools is often higher than the recommended 30:1, leading to inefficiencies in learning. Many tribal schools lack science labs, libraries, and sports facilities. Digital connectivity remains a challenge in remote tribal areas.
3. Student Enrollment and Dropout Rates: The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for ST students is improving at the primary level but drops significantly at the secondary and higher education levels. Dropout rates among ST students are high due to economic constraints, child labor, cultural barriers, and migration of tribal families for livelihood.The lack of mother-tongue-based education in many states discourages tribal children from continuing their studies. Seasonal migration of tribal families disrupts students’ education. Girls face higher dropout rates due to social norms and early marriages.

Challenges in Educating Tribals

The Indian government has introduced several initiatives to improve education among tribal communities:
1. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Established in tribal-dominated areas to provide quality education. Aim to be at par with Navodaya Vidyalayas. Focus on STEM, skill development, and sports. Free education, boarding, and lodging for ST students. Over 700 schools planned across India.
2. Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships: Financial assistance to ST students to reduce economic barriers. Covers tuition fees, hostel fees, and living expenses. Special provisions for girl students. Encourages higher education among tribal youth. Available for both school and college students.
3. National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students: Supports ST students pursuing MPhil and Ph.D. courses. Offers monthly stipends and research grants. Encourages participation in STEM and humanities research. Aims to increase ST representation in academia. Implemented under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
4. Ashram Schools: Residential schools providing free education, meals, and lodging. Designed for economically weaker tribal students. Focuses on vocational training alongside academics. Encourages cultural integration with modern education. Located in remote tribal regions for better access.
5. Digital and Vocational Initiatives: Schemes like SWAYAM, DIKSHA, and Skill India Mission aim to integrate digital learning and vocational training for tribal students. Smart classrooms and online resources are being developed. Focus on coding, digital literacy, and online education. Partnerships with private ed-tech companies for outreach. Skill development centers for job-oriented learning.

Challenges in Educating Tribals

1. Language Barrier: Most tribal students speak indigenous languages, whereas education is predominantly in Hindi or English, leading to comprehension issues. Lack of multilingual textbooks in tribal languages. Low teacher proficiency in tribal dialects. Parents’ illiteracy makes home-based learning difficult. Absence of trained translators and educators.
2. Poor Infrastructure and Accessibility: Remote tribal villages often lack proper roads, schools, and internet connectivity, making education inaccessible. Dilapidated school buildings discourage attendance. Limited transport facilities for students. Lack of drinking water and sanitation facilities. Power shortages affect digital education efforts.
3. Economic Constraints: Many tribal families depend on daily wages, forcing children to drop out and work for financial support. Lack of financial aid awareness among parents. Cost of books, uniforms, and travel adds to dropout rates. Scholarships do not cover all expenses adequately. Seasonal migration disrupts education cycles.
4. Cultural and Social Barriers: Early marriages and gender norms restricting girls’ education. Dependence on traditional occupations, making formal education less appealing. Discrimination and social stigma discourage tribal students from mainstream education. Lack of tribal representation in curricula, leading to alienation. Absence of role models from tribal communities in professional fields.
5. Teacher Shortages and Quality of Education: Insufficient trained teachers familiar with tribal cultures and languages. High teacher absenteeism due to difficult working conditions. Lack of continuous teacher training in culturally sensitive pedagogy. Rigid curricula that fail to integrate tribal knowledge systems. Limited access to digital learning tools, restricting modern education methods.

Way Forward

1. Mother-Tongue-Based Education: Implementing multilingual education at the primary level can improve comprehension and retention. More textbooks and digital content in tribal languages. Recruitment of bilingual teachers. Inclusion of tribal folklore and history in curricula. State-specific policies for regional dialects.
2. Strengthening Infrastructure: More investments in schools, hostels, digital learning facilities, and sanitation facilities are required. Better connectivity and road networks. Improved solar-powered digital classrooms. Provision of bicycles and transport for students. Community-driven maintenance programs.
3. Financial and Scholarship Support: Expanding financial assistance programs for ST students beyond tuition fees. Easier access to student loans and stipends for higher education. Awareness campaigns about scholarships in tribal areas. Vocational training and entrepreneurship programs to ensure employability.
4. Technology-Driven Learning: Satellite education programs for remote tribal areas. Expansion of mobile and internet-based learning initiatives. Establishing smart classrooms and e-learning centers in tribal schools. Partnerships with NGOs and private sectors for digital literacy programs.

Conclusion

Despite significant efforts by the government and NGOs, tribal education in India still faces many hurdles. Bridging the education gap requires targeted policy interventions, cultural sensitivity, and infrastructural improvements. A holistic approach, integrating formal education, skill development, and digital inclusion, can pave the way for a better future for India’s tribal communities. Ensuring that education reaches the most vulnerable sections of society is not just a developmental goal but a step toward social equity and national progress.

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