Factors contributing to the low literacy rates among schedule cast and schedule

tribe population in India1. Discrimination among lower castes has resulted in high

dropout rates and low enrolment rates2. Absolute poverty in India has also deterred the pursuit of

formal education3. The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe population have been discriminated and are confined to the lowest

ranks of social and economic hierarchies.4. High poverty rates and dependence on agriculture

among many of the tribes is another factor5. Children often enroll in primary education and then drop

out of school in order to help the family. 6. Education for girls is often considered to be a

consumption good rather than an investment of good.

LITERACY RATE OF GENERAL, SCHEDULE CAST & SCHEDULE TRIBE POPLATION IN

INDIA

GENERAL LITERACY RATE

ST. LITERACY RATE

SC. LITERACY RATE

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

LITERACY RATE

NET ENROLLMENT RATE PRIMARY FOR GENERAL, SCHEDULE CAST & SCHEDULE

TRIBE POPULATION IN INDIA

GENERAL ST SC0

50

100

150

200

250

300

POPULATION

NET ENROLMENT RATE

NET ENROLMENT RATE SECONDARY FOR GENERAL, SCHEDULE CAST & SCHEDULE TRIBE POPULATION IN INDIA

GENERAL

ST

SC

0 50 100 150 200 250 300

NET ENROLMENT RATE

EFFECTS1. Lack of knowledge

•Schedule cast and schedule tribe population remain underdeveloped

•They are deprived from modern facilities of the society

•Lack of infrastructure

POLICIESGovernment schemesNational Literacy Mission: The National Literacy Mission, launched in 1988, aimed at attaining a literacy rate of 75 per cent by 2007. It imparts functional literacy to non-literates in the age group of 15–35 years. The Total Literacy Campaign is the principal strategy of the NLM for eradication of illiteracySarva Siksha Abhiyan: The Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (was launched in 2001 to ensure that all children in the 6–14-year age-group attend school and complete eight years of schooling by 2010. An important component of the scheme is the Education Guarantee Scheme and Alternative and Innovative Education, meant primarily for children in areas with no formal school within a one kilometer radius

Non-Governmental efforts Government programme alone, however well intentioned, may not be able to dismantle barriers built over centuries. Several non-governmental organizations such as ITC, Rotary Club, Lions Club have worked to improve the literacy rate in India.

CONCLUSIONThough nearly 70% of the total allocation has been spent on educational development, the literacy level of the Scheduled Castes (46.74%) and Scheduled Tribes (27.89%) was less than the overall literacy level (62.66%).Hence major thrust was laid on educational schemes and specific measures were taken to improve the quality of education in Tribal schools, Besides sanction of regular educational concessions, the other measures taken include strengthening of infrastructural facilities like construction of school buildings, additional classrooms, laboratory buildings, provision of lab equipments, computers, furniture and play materials, upgradation of schools at all levels, opening of residential schools, construction of vocational training centers, provision of basic amenities like toilets, drinking water etc. Free education programme upto post graduation level for SC/ ST girl students was introduced. 

PRESENT SCENARIOToday scheduled caste and scheduled tribe population

are over powered with all of the facilities. Therefore these classes are gaining advantages

especially in higher education and while acquiring jobs and are in a compatible competition with

general population.

BIBLIOGRAPHY CENSUS DATA FROM GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

WIKIPEDIA BOOKS ON SOCIAL GEOGRAPHY

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