Schools in Tribal Areas

This is with reference to the commentary, “Access to Education in Tribal Areas: Rethinking the Traditional Approach” (EPW, 10 October 2015). Hilly areas require a serious effort in the systematic dissemination of education. Residential schools are the best way to enhance the capacity of the students living in those areas. People in hilly areas struggle to meet basic requirements. So, a very few were able to manage proper schooling for their children, that too after a lot of hardship. Lack of opportunity is the major challenge to children in hilly areas. Systematic schooling will not only empower them but will open the path to meet challenges in life. Moreover, the atmosphere in residential schools will motivate students to work hard. Scattered schools in different parts of the hilly regions are difficult to reach. Teachers and students slowly lose interest in such schools.

Residential schools in hilly regions will also be more nature-oriented and away from the polluted atmosphere of cities. They will draw students from low-income families and other marginalised communities. Such schools will also help people who, most often, cannot afford to send their children to expensive residential schools in cities. If the idea outlined in the article is implemented properly, it could help innumerable families in hilly tribal areas.