Tribal Education: A Perspective From Below. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rupavath, Ramdas
• Is Part Of: South Asia research. Volume 36:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 206
• Page End: 228
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: Affirmative action -- education -- gender -- India -- scheduled tribes -- Telangana -- tribals; South Asia -- Periodicals; 954.0072
• DOI: 10.1177/0262728016638718
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0262-7280

Abstract

This article critically examines initiatives for greater participation in education by tribal communities in India, arguing that current policy does not effectively enough facilitate greater participation and may, in fact, go against the avowed principle of ensuring greater equity. The article relies on fieldwork-based study to support arguments for the need to be culturally sensitive in making appropriate provisions for the education of scheduled tribes in India. Reasons for high dropout rates and non-enrolment among tribal children are examined and some searching questions are asked about why so many tribal people dislike schools.