Tribal Educational Schemes and its Awareness among Tribal Youths

Abstract

West Bengal, India is home to diverse tribal communities with unique customs, languages, and traditions. These communities often reside in rural areas, maintaining a close-knit social structure and preserving age-old practices. Education among these tribal communities has been a focal point for social upliftment, with efforts by the government and NGOs aiming to bridge educational disparities by establishing schools in remote areas, promoting indigenous languages, and incorporating tribal culture into the curriculum. They aim to bridge the educational gap by providing specialized programs tailored to the unique cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic needs of tribal youths. Raising awareness among tribal youths about these schemes is crucial, and efforts should be made through community outreach programs, workshops, and digital platforms.A study collected data from 100 tribal youths of Jhargram district through survey methods, finding that social media campaigns are the most impactful channel to engage tribal youths regarding educational schemes. To improve awareness, two predominant strategies should be prioritized: increasing social media presence and conducting more community-based programs. The primary goal of the West Bengal Tribal Development Department is to provide educational opportunities for tribal youths, emphasizing the importance of education as a fundamental avenue for socio-economic progress and individual empowerment, especially in marginalized communities.