A Comparative Study of the Tribals & Non-Tribals participating on educational process in five Tribal Belts in Assam

Abstract

In Assam there are wwo categories of Scheduled tribes classified according to geographical location. One category is the scheduled tribe living in Hills districts of Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao Autonomous Districts i.e. ST Hills and the other category is the Scheduled tribe living in Plains districts of Assam who are also mentioned as ST Plains. This study is confined to ST Plains only. The study was conducted in 5 plains districts and the findings are astounding. In most of the blocks general category students are more than the ST students. Drop out at the primary level are mainly from the ST students. After initial enrolment the students attend classes only for few days and then leave the classes for good. Although predominant community within the block is Scheduled tribe yet in many schools majority of the students belong to general category. It will provide base line data to the policy makers on the ground realities of educational status in the tribal belts and blocks. The fact that enrollment is not enough. After enrolment the guardian, teachers and society needs to ensure that the student attends school regularly. It is expected that Policy Makers will adhere to this point while designing policy.