ABSENTEEISM STAGNATION AND WASTAGE IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS OF TRIBAL AREAS OF ANDHRA PRADESH

Abstract

The present study took up three problems of Absenteeism, Wastage and Stagnation in a very methodological and scientific way. In total 14 schools were selected on random sampling basis. As per sample 6 aided schools, 3 panchayati Samithi schools and 5 Government schools were selected. Secondary and primary data were collected through 3 types of questionnaires. The study identifies three major groups of causes of wastage and stagnation namely, socio-economic, psychological and educational. It is a well-known fact that the economic condition of tribal children is far from satisfactory and, in spite of certain economic incentives given to them in the form of scholarships. Book grants, middy meal and the like, the fact remains that the economic burden on the child is too heavy and it is not possible for either him or for his parents to get rid of or relieve him of this burden. Of all the three groups of causes identified in the study, this is a major one. The parents will send their children to school only when they are compensated in cash for the loss of economic assistance they receive from their children. Opening of Ashram schools in large number with all facilities of free boarding and lodging may, perhaps, lead to a considerable reduction in the incidence of wastage and stagnation. Of the second group of cause namely, psychological, the low receptivity of tribal children attracts attention more than the parents or students indifference towards the matters education. The third group of causes namely, educational though important, are not such that cannot be removed. The problems faced by a tribal pupil in this field are many, but it goes without saying that a concerted and sincere effort made to improve educational conditions will produce immensely better result.