Mains (GS II) – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education.

Why in news?

Oxfam’s latest reports reveal that India’s economic growth has been accompanied by widening inequality.

What is the educational status of marginalized communities?

• Students from marginalised communities across India faces systemic barriers in their pursuit of education.
• Skewed early childhood education – As per ASER 2023, only 42.5% of SC/ST children aged 3–5 attend any form of preschool.
• Learning gap - As per ASER 2023 data, in rural areas only 43% of std V students can read an std II level text and only 25.6% of children in std V can solve a subtraction problem.
• Low GER in higher education - SC and ST student GERs remain lower at 27.2% and 25.8%, compared to national average.
• Underrepresented in premier institutions – Marginalized communities doesn’t make adequate representation in premier institutions like IIT particularly at higher levels like PhD programs and faculty positions.
  • SC students make up only 10% of PhD enrolments
  • ST students 2%
  • Some institutes having no SC/ST faculty

Recent RTI Data shows that over 90% of professors in these institutions come from upper-caste backgrounds.

• Lack of inclusiveness – Disabled children rarely complete primary school, and nearly half of the disabled people are still illiterate.

What are the challenges faced by students from marginalised community?

• Inadequate rural infrastructure – Government schools in rural areas and urban slums lack basic infrastructure, qualified teachers, and proper learning materials.
• Economic barriers – Costly coaching programs to competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and UPSC are unaffordable for most rural and low-income families, effectively locking them out of top institutions.
• Those who manage to qualify, face financial burden of travel, accommodation, and fees when moving from villages to urban centres.
• Cultural and social exclusion – Marginalized students face mockery of their accents, clothes, and food habits in urban institutions.
• It creates a psychological burden that makes them feel like outsiders in their own country, leading to drop out.
• Myth of merit – The concept of "merit" in exams and admissions ignores unequal starting points, privileges, opportunities and both are judged by the same yardstick.
• Language disadvantage – Students educated in regional languages face barrier in higher education and employments.
• Stigma of reservations – Reserved category students who clear exams are often labelled as quota students, and they’re treated as lesser than their peers, undermining their confidence.
• Discrimination – Marginalized students face social exclusion, microaggressions, and casteism, such as segregated hostel rooms or dining tables, taking a mental toll that leads many to abandon their studies.
• Unequal employment opportunities – Even after graduation, caste networks determine access to opportunities, leaving marginalized students at a disadvantage despite their qualifications.

What are the reforms required for equitable education for marginalized students?

• Redefining merit system – The merit system needs to be redefined to account for the unequal playing field.
• Strengthening and expanding reservation – The reservation could be followed strictly for SC, ST, and OBC representation in faculty and administrative roles in IITs.
• Building robust support systems – Top institutions needs to establish mandatory mentorship programs for marginalized students to bridge gaps in preparation and free mental health services to address the discrimination.
• Improving public school infrastructure – Increasing funding for government schools in rural areas and urban slums to make adequate facilities for marginalised students.
• Challenge cultural exclusion –zero-tolerance policies needs to be ensured for caste-based discrimination.
• Awareness campaigns and diversity training could also reduce mockery and foster inclusion.
• Make competitive exams accessible – It can be achieved by subsidizing coaching for exams like JEE and NEET for low-income students.
• By creating free, high-quality online preparatory resources in regional languages to level the playing field.

Reference

The Hindu| Indian Education System Failed Marginal Communities