A Study of Awareness and Usefulness of Educational Schemes among Students of Scheduled Castes and Tribes

Abstract

Education is considered a powerful and effective means for the personal, social, and national development of individuals. It helps in fostering knowledge, skills, understanding, attitudes, values, and self-confidence. Therefore, every society invests in education to empower its people and enable them to fulfill their social responsibilities. Education also plays a unifying role by eliminating societal evils such as jealousy, discrimination, bias, selfishness, superstitions, religious dogma, and orthodoxy. Education is both the foundation of civilization and culture and the principal medium for the holistic development of individuals since the beginning of human history. Every era has acknowledged the importance and impact of education, recognizing its vital role in a country\'s economic development and human resource building, as important as the use of natural resources. In the context of India\'s development, the caste system has played a significant role. The Indian caste system is one of the oldest forms of social stratification, existing for around 3000 years, primarily based on occupation and religion. Ancient texts like the Manusmriti categorized society into four main castes: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, believed to have originated from the god Brahma. Over time, based on evolving occupations and social changes, nearly 3000 castes and 2500 sub-castes emerged. The lowest strata included Dalits and Untouchables, who were severely marginalized both socially and economically. Factors like religious traditions, superstitions, lack of education, laziness, blind faith, and lack of awareness were major contributors to their backwardness. These socially excluded groups later came to be known as Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Article 341 and 342 of the Indian Constitution classify them officially. Common ST groups include Gond, Baiga, Agariya, Khairwar, Panika, and Kol. These groups vary greatly in customs, food habits, dress, traditional practices, and rituals. The Indian government—both at the central and state levels—has implemented numerous policies and development programs based on their geographic and cultural differences to support their educational, social, economic, and cultural upliftment. However, despite these efforts, due to modern pressures and lack of education, economic stability, and political representation, these communities still face deprivation of basic human rights and needs.

Introduction

The Indian Constitution, post-independence, marked a historical shift toward ensuring social justice and equality, especially for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Through a blend of merit-based and compensatory principles, efforts were made to uplift these historically marginalized groups. Over time, socio-economic and cultural changes—due to modernization, education, industrialization, and communication—have positively impacted SCs and STs, integrating them more closely with mainstream Indian society.

The focus of this study is to examine the awareness and utility of educational schemes among SC and ST students in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. The research aims to assess how effectively students are benefiting from these initiatives and how it reflects on their educational, social, and cultural development.

Key Research Problem:

The main research problem selected for this study is:

"A study on the awareness and utility of educational schemes among Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh."

Key Terms Defined:

1. SC Students: Those belonging to Scheduled Castes as defined in Articles 366(24) and 341 of the Indian Constitution, recognized by official government notifications.

2. ST Students: Those from Scheduled Tribes as per Articles 366(25) and 342, as officially notified by the President or Parliament.

3. Educational Scheme Awareness and Utility: Refers to students’ understanding, recognition, and practical use of government-implemented schemes aimed at promoting education among SC and ST communities.

Research Hypothesis:

There is no significant difference between SC and ST female students in terms of their awareness and utility of educational schemes.

Scope of the Study:

• Location: Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh

• Area: Both rural and urban regions

• Institutions: Government-aided higher secondary schools

• Sample: 800 SC and ST students across 8 educational blocks

• Methodology: Descriptive research design with random sampling technique

Findings:

• SC students showed higher awareness and utility of educational schemes such as:

  • Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)

  • Free & Compulsory Education Scheme

  • Residential Schooling Schemes

  • Skill Development Initiatives (e.g., Skill SatRang and Kaushal Mission)

  • Ambedkar Special Employment Scheme

  • Operation Kayakalp

  • Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao

  • Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Education Scheme, etc.

• Most SC students demonstrated a positive attitude toward these schemes at personal, family, school, and societal levels.

• ST students, in comparison, had slightly lower awareness and engagement, which was statistically significant as per the research table (mean difference = 4.158; t-value significant at 0.01 level).

Conclusion

The study concludes that educational schemes have played a vital role in increasing awareness, self-esteem, and access to socio-economic advancement among SC and ST students. However, disparities still exist, especially in the level of scheme utility between SC and ST groups, which calls for more inclusive and targeted educational interventions. Further, the research highlights the need for sensitive and localized implementation of policies to bridge educational gaps, emphasizing the continued relevance of affirmative action and welfare programs.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Indra Bahadur, Dr. Dhananjay Dheeraj. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.