Status and problems of educational scenario among the tribals in Koraput district, Odisha

Abstract

The present study aims to examine the educational status and the cause of school dropouts, absenteeism, low enrolment and the male-female gap in literacy among tribals of Koraput district of Odisha. A survey was carried in 467 households constituting 1830 villagers to find out the educational status in Koraput district of Odisha. Subsequently, 104 children and adolescents aged between 9 and 16 were selected purposively in terms of schooling profile and household occupation for ascertaining the cause of absenteeism and dropout or leaving the study after primary education. The study found a literacy rate of 32.4% in the studied population and the major causes for school dropout and absenteeism were the economic problem, household work, lack of interest in the study, earning member of the family, parents not interested in studies, distance of schools and difficulties in reaching school, and language of teaching problem.