Lakhvir Singh
Department of Social Work Punjabi University Patiala, Punjab, India
*Corresponding Author E-mail:
ABSTRACT:
Scheduled Castes are the most backward sections of Indian society in term of education development. They constitute the statutorily recognized weaker the sections of society and form a distinct target group the existing patters of planning. Caste and class in India have been the subjects of a long standing and ongoing subjects and class system in India is still relevant in all fronts of life. It is not only manifested in the social discrimination but also in the educational attainment. Indian social system suffers casts from a right system. For centuries caste had been a determining factor in education, work and employment. Education is still mainly open to higher castes. Large section of the population belonging to lower castes were denied education and also access to high income yielding and power impacting occupations. According to census 200, the total population and Punjab is 277,04,236 out of which rural and urban population is 66.08 percent and 33.92 percent, respectively. Literacy rate of Punjab is 76.7 per cent. The Scheduled Castes population in Punjab is 70,28,723 which is 28.85 per cent of the total population. Scheduled Castes make up 33.04 per cent of rural and 28.5 of urban population of Punjab. The literacy rate among Scheduled Castes is 56.22 per cent. It is not education as such which determines one's position; rather it is the social existence of the people which determines accessibility to education. Majority of Scheduled Castes are deprived of better education. Moreover the Scheduled Castes economically weaker have to survive by a hand to mouth existence. Consequently, their level of self perception is low and life is mainly reduced to struggle for survival. It is always been a matter of grave concern for all the Governments of world to improve the socio - economic and educational status of their people. Various social and educational welfare programmes have been being launched to achieve the purpose. In Punjab, various such educational programmes have been started by the Central as well as State Government for the educational welfare of the Scheduled Castes. The paper will throw light on the major Educational Development Schemes for Scheduled Castes in Punjab.
KEYWORDS: Caste, Scheduled Castes, Development, Education and Schemes.
INTRODUCTION:
India is a country of multi-racial groups which is reflected by different cultures, religions, languages and racial groups. These social groups are at different levels of development. The Scheduled Castes is one of the groups which have a history of discrimination. Historically they are economically, politically and educationally backward.
Development process depends upon interactions among different drivers including physical resources, education and health. But the role of physical factors comparatively has been over emphasized and has received maximum attention than education and health. Human development based on better access to education, health and income has been identified as major contributors of Human Development Index. Low levels of literacy have a deeper socio-economic and political implications resulting in deep rooted backwardness of the economy. In India, the policy makers have realized this fact and tried to provide appropriate inputs to the national educational policies. Across the globe educational development schemes especially for the weaker sections have been made integral part of education system.
Education arises out of the needs of the society. The educational system of any society is related to its social system. It is a subsystem performing certain functions for the social system. The educational system in a society must not only transmit the cultural heritage to new generations but also aid in preparing the young for adjustment to changes in future. The relationship between education and society is mutual. Sometimes the society influences changes in educational system and at other times the educational system influences changes in society. Education performs significant functions in society like; education helps in socialization process, it transmit cultural heritage, it is necessary for occupational placement, conferring of status and education encourages the spirit of competition etc.
In this way education is very important for the society. Scheduled Castes are the group of historically disadvantaged people recognized in the constitution of India. These people were the original inhabitants of India. When Aryans invaded India, these people were made slaves. From here on their condition deteriorated. The caste based discrimination resulted in terrible living conditions for these people. They didn't have access to basic facilities, education, health services or places of worship.
Being historically deprived of owning land or any other property, the Scheduled Castes don't have material resources through which they can improve their condition and status in society. The only medium through which they can improve their status is education. To help the marginalized sections of the society in attainment of education, in the Constitution of India, there are special provisions made for the Scheduled Castes Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes in educational institutions and jobs and the preventions against discrimination. Article 46, a Directive Principle of the Constitution, suggests that the state shall take special care of the educational interests of the weaker sections.1 Even Article 15 (A) in the section on Fundamental Rights states that nothing shall prevent the state from making special provision for the socially and educationally backward classes like Scheduled Castes.2 Despite these efforts, a lot still needs to be done.
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of the paper is to explore the various educational development schemes implemented by Government of Punjab for educational development for scheduled castes in Rural Punjab.
METHODOLOGY:
The present paper is prepared primarily on the basis of secondary data such as skimming techniques with a view to describe, analyses and evaluate the role of educational development schemes implemented by the Government for the educational enhancement of Scheduled Castes of Rural Punjab.
LITERATURE REVIEWED:
Given the poor economic and cultural resource base, education is very important for the development of Scheduled Castes. Keeping these aspects in view, the Centre and State Government have decided to introduce several educational development schemes. The main objective of these educational development schemes was to uplift the educational status of Scheduled Castes. The following educational development schemes have been introduced and are implemented by the Punjab Government.
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES:
Students of Post - Matric Classes Scholarship to the Scheduled Castes:
The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes students studding in pre-matriculation, post matriculation of post secondary classes3. This scheme covered all the pre-metric, post metric or post-secondary courses. The courses are divided in Groups A, B, C, D. Group A course constituted all the higher courses of medical and engineering and the scholarship amount to be distributed to 1200/- rupee hostlers and 550/- rupee day scholars per month. Group B courses constituted various technical courses like diploma, the scholarship amount to be distributed to 820/- rupee hostlers and 530/- rupee day scholars per month. Group C courses constituted various certificate and diploma courses in rural services, the scholarship amount to be distributed to 570/- rupee hostlers and 300/- rupee day scholars per month. Group D courses included general graduate courses, the scholarship amount for 380/- rupee hostlers and 230/- rupee day scholars per month. In case of students whose parents/guardians income from all sources does not exceed 2.50 lakh per annum.4 The applications would be submitted on line on the website (www.punjabscholarships.gov.in) and the amount of the scholarship will be paid in the bank accounts duly linked with Adhar card.5
State Educational Welfare Scheme:
Under this scheme, the SC/BC boy and girl students studying in class 6th to 8th are given Rs 30/- and Rs 40/- respectively. 9th and 10th class students with 1st division are given Rs. 75/- and students with second division are given Rs. 60/-. Similarly, students with 3rd division are given Rs. 50/- per month as scholarship. For students studying in 10+1 to those studying at university level are given scholarship amount of Rs. 15/- to Rs 25/- per month.
Such students are given full fee waiver. This facility is given to students not covered under post matric scholarship scheme of Indian Govt. and whose parental income is less than Rs. 50,000 in case of SC student and Rs. 24000 in case of BC students. The eligible students will give application to the head of the institution and head of the institution will process the same to the Welfare department through proper channel.6
Free Text Books supply scheme:
The aim of the scheme is to be provide text-books free of cost to the Scheduled Castes students studying at school level so as to relieve the parents/guardians of these students from the financial burdsen, which they can ill-afford due to poverty.7 This scheme was started in 1976-77 for middle standard classes only but was later on extended to high school as well as the primary classes from the year 1981-82 and 1986-87.8
The Schedule Castes Girls studying in Government as well as private recognized schools/colleges are eligible to get free of cost text-books during the academic session. The benefit of the scheme will be given to the girl students of Below Poverty Line families. The drop-out ratio among Scheduled Castes in the higher classes. Due to poverty they fail to continue their study in higher classes. In order to attract Scheduled Castes girls students towards in higher education there need to provide financial assistance for purchase of books at 10+1 and 10+2 level.9
Attendance Scholarship to Scheduled Castes Girl students studding in Primary Classes:
The objective of this scheme was to encourage the Scheduled Castes girl to go for education and without adding to the financial burden of education of the poor Scheduled Castes parents. It has been observed that the number of Scheduled Castes girl students in educational institutions is much less than their population. It is because of the fact that the parents/guardians of these girls are very poor and they do not heed to the education of the female child. It at all these girls are admitted to schools, they leave their studies to assist their parents to arrangement the family income by taking up menial jobs. Keeping these circumstances in vies the State Government decided to adopt some ways and means so that the dropout tendency is checked initially at the primary stage. Consequently, this scheme was introduced from the year 1992-93 as district level scheme on Plan side.9
Under this scheme, attendance scholarship Rs. 50/- per month, per student, for 10 months in a year is awarded to those Scheduled Castes girls, who are domicile of Punjab, studing in primary classes, their parents do not have more than five acres of land, they are not income tax payers and minimum 75 per cent class attendance is required for award of scholarship.10
Pre-Matric Scholarship to children of the Parents Engaged in Unclean Occupations:
The benefit of this scheme was available to those who had traditional links with scavenging. The objective of the scheme was to provide assistance to students of such households to pursue education up to 10th standard and to check their dropout tendency. In rural areas, the children of those parents who were actually engaged in scavenging of dry latrines, tanning, flaying was to be covered by this scheme. The scope of this scheme was extended in 1991-1992 from day scholars only to student living in a hostel and suding in class 3rd to class 10th and to all Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes day scholars studing in class Ist to 10th.11
Under this scheme, scholarship Rs. 110/- per month, per student 1st to 10th class, for Scheduled Castes students, who's parents are actually engaged in unclean occupations and also an adhoc grant of Rs. 750/- per annum, per student, for one time in a year is awarded to all students.12
Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme to Scheduled Castes students:
Indian Govt. has started Pre matric scholarship for the SC students studying in class 9th and 10th provided that their family income is not more than 2 lacs per annum w.e.f 01.07.2012. Under this scheme, a day scholar is given Rs. 150/- and a hosteller is given Rs. 350/- per month to a maximum of 10 months a year. Besides, one time adhoc grant of Rs. 700 to a day scholar and Rs. 1000/- to a hosteller is also given for books etc.13
Scholarship Given to the Scheduled Caste Girls Students of 10+2:
This scheme aims at improving the educational standard/level of scheduled castes girl students. Under this scheme, SC girl students whose parents are not income tax assese, are given Rs 3000/- lump sum amount to motivate them to study in 10+1 and 10+2 classes. All the eligible students are required to give an application to the organization within one month and the concerned organization or institute sends the same to the welfare department through proper channel.14
Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Course, Mohali:
In order to improve the representation of Scheduled Castes, in various posts and services under Central/State Government, Public Sector Undertakings, Nationalised Banks etc., a coaching institute was set up in 1986-87 at Mohali. Under this scheme, coaching facilities are provided to the members of Scheduled Castes families from the State of Punjab who are to appear in IAS, PCS, PO, RBI, LIC, Assistant Grade, PMT, CET etc. examinations and those parents income does not more than 1.00 lakh per annum. As per Government of India guidelines, candidates during coaching are provided with the facility of free boarding and lodging at the rate of Rs 500/- per month per trainee. Government of India amended the scheme from the year 2001-2002, through the revise group 'A' and 'B' services under the Central Government; State Government; Public undertaking as well as private sector. Rate of stipend has been enhanced from Rs. 500/- to 700/- for coaching of group 'A' services and 375 for group 'B' services and entrance examinations of medical engineering etc. The expenditure under this scheme is borne by the Central and State Government on 50:50 basis.15
Setting up of Institute for Training to Scheduled Castes candidates in stenography (Mohali):
Keeping in view the deficient representation of Scheduled Castes in the cadre of steno typists/stenographers and non-availability of such qualified persons with Punjab Subordinate Service Selection Board and State Employment Exchange, Government have decided to start this scheme during the year 1987-88. Duration of the session in one year and total number of seats are 80 (40 Punjabi and 40 English Stenography).
Under this scheme all the applications received from the candidates, in response to advertisements are scrutinized and out of them, those who graduate, language as elective or optional subject and unemployed belonging to Scheduled Castes Community and also belonging to the family of a yellow card holder are selected on merit basis by the selection committee. Rs. 750/- per month per trainee is provided as stipend in addition to free coaching and stationery and concessional bus pass facilities. Government has sanctioned 3 more institutions at Amristsar, Patial and Ferozepur on the pattern of institution already functioning at Mohali.16
Stenography Training at District Level:
The objective of this scheme was to bring adequate representation of the members of Scheduled Castes in the cadres of Punjabi stenographers and steno typist in various State Government offices. The scheme was started 1978-79. The duration of the course is one year and stipend of Rs. 250/- per month is paid to trainees during the training period.17
Under this training total number of seats are 230 (15 in each district and 20 seats at Chandigarh Centre). This scheme is being implemented through the Language Department Punjab at District level.
Book Bank Schemes i.e. Grant for Purchase of Medical, Engineering and Law Books etc.:
This scheme is for poor Scheduled Castes students in professional courses. The scheme was started in 1974-75. Books so purchased were meant exclusively for Scheduled Caste students. Under this scheme, one set of books was to be given to two Scheduled Castes students of degree/diploma classes and one set per student for postgraduate courses. The life period of one set was fixed at three years. 14 institutions in all were given to purchase books in 1994-95, 12 in 1995-96, 25 in 1996-97 and only 13 institutions were given the grant during the period 1997-98. The total expenditure on the scheme is shared between the State and Centre Governments on 50:50 basis.18
Under this scheme, special grant is given (250/- hostler and 125/- day scholar students) those students who's family income does not more than 60'965/-.19
Award to Brilliant Scheduled Caste students:
The aim of this scheme is to inculcate the spirit of the competition amongst Scheduled Castes students in the field of education. The scheme was started during the year 1984-85. This scheme is being implemented through the Director Public Instructions (s) Punjab.
Under this scheme, Scheduled Castes students studying from 6th to 12th classes are awarded Rs. 100/- per month per student who secure Ist, IInd and IIIrd positions amongst Scheduled Castes students in each educational block in 5th, 8th and 10th class examinations, 3 boy and 3 girl students are awarded at each level examination and this award continue for 3 years, 2 years and 2 years respectively.20
Award to Scheduled Castes sports students:
This scheme was started in 1990-91 to inculcate the spirit of participation and competition in sports activities among the Scheduled Castes students. Under this scheme, selected Scheduled Castes students studying form 6th to 12th classes, who secured first, second and third position among Scheduled Castes students in each educational block in 5th, 8th and 10th class competitions were to be awarded a stipend Rs. 25 per month.21
Now, this scheme is revised that Scheduled Castes students studying in 5th, 8th and 10th classes, who secured first, second and third position among Scheduled Castes students in each educational block in primary level competitions were awarded a stipend Rs. 500/- per year, 8th level Rs. 750/- per year and higher secondary level Rs. 1000/- per year. Consequently 3 boys and 3 girls students studying from 6th to 8th, 9th to 10th and 10+1 to 10+2 classes, were awarded at each level completion (Athletics, Kabbadi, Kho-Kho and Gymnastics) and this award was continued for three years, two years and two years respectively.22
Special Grants to Scheduled Castes Girl Students studying in Post-Matric and Postgraduate Classes:
The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance for clothes betterment of Scheduled Castes girl students studying in post-matric and post graduate classes. This scheme was started in the year 1980-81. The scholarship/financial assistance Rs. 50/- and Rs. 60/- per month per was to be given to Scheduled Castes girl students studying in post-matric and post graduate and who's parents income does not more than 60,965/- per annum.23
Special Grant to Scheduled Castes Students studying in Medical and Engineering Colleges:
The students belonging to Scheduled Castes community are financially weak and cannot afford to join professional colleges i.e. Medical and Engineering colleges. The State Government has introduced this scheme from the year 1982-83, on the pattern of scholarship fixed by the Government of India, under centrally sponsored, "Post-Matric scholarship scheme for Scheduled Castes."
Under this scheme special grant is being given, Rs. 125/- for day scholar and Rs. 250/- per month for hostler to the Scheduled Castes Students Studying in Medical and Engineering colleges and whose parents/guardians income from all sources does not exceed Rs. 60965/- per annum.24
Supply of Free satchels to Scheduled Castes students studying in Ist to 10th classes:
The scheme is to provide satchels, free of cost to Scheduled Castes students studying in 1st to 10th classes so as to relieve the parents/guardians of these students from the financial burden which they can ill-afford due to poverty. Though costly books are provided, free of cost by the Welfare Department to the Scheduled Caste students studying in 1st to 10th classes but these books get spoiled before the session is ended because the students of these classes do not have the capacity to buy proper school bags/satchels to keep their text-books properly. Therefore there is a need to provide satchels, free of cost to these students so that they may carry their text-books to school and preserve the same at home also.
Keeping these aspects in view, the State Government has decided to start this scheme as District Plan from the year 2002-2003 with a provision of Rs. 50.00 lack. In the first instance the scheme will be implemented in District Jalandhar as a pilot project. The satchels will be provided to those Scheduled Castes students whose parents/guardians are domicile of Punjab State and living below poverty line.25
CONCLUSION:
India is predominantly a rural country, where rural population accounts for almost 76 per cent of the entire population. Village constitutes an important unit of social life in India. A vast majority of Indian people depend for their livelihood on farming and associated activities. Indian Government, since independence has been trying to remove poverty and inequality in the rural areas, with the purpose to provide a dignified life to the rural people such as Scheduled Castes. In this regard, the Government of Punjab is very serious regarding the rural development. The Punjab Government had taken a number of Vital steps to improve the living standards of life in rural Punjab. For this purpose the Government of Punjab has implemented social welfare programmes and educational development programmes to improve the literacy rate of Scheduled Castes.
Majority of the Scheduled Castes in Punjab are deprived the basic social services like education, health, employment and decent housing. Lack of awareness, among other reasons due to which majority of Scheduled Castes in Punjab have not been able to reap-off the benefits from the welfare schemes because due to poverty and illiteracy. As per the census 2001 the majority of Scheduled Castes people 75.66 per cent in the State live in the rural area, whereas only 24.34 per cent Scheduled Castes people reside in the urban area of the State. The literacy rate among Scheduled Castes is 56.20 per cent as compared to 69.65 per cent of the State and 64.83 per cent of the country as a whole which is a cause of concern.
The above keeping these aspects in view, for the last five decades or so a number of schemes were launched for the educational development or improve the literacy rate of the Scheduled Castes. In addition, the responsibility of implementing most of the educational programmes launch by the Central and State Governments. The aim of the special Component Plan is to ensure flow of funds at least to the extent of Scheduled Castes population to the overall population in the State which is 28.85 per cent. Many articles, schemes and reservation policy and also special provision constitute to improve the educational status of Scheduled Castes population. Despite these efforts, a lot still needs to be done because due to poverty and lack of awareness majority of targeted beneficiaries do not get the benefits from the Governmental education schemes. These reasons their educational status is low from upper classes.
So, educational development is not possible without awareness of these educational schemes. If they are aware, then they able to reap-off the benefits from the educational schemes. In order to remove these prevailing ignorance poverty and illiteracy, the Government should initiate to aware and educate them about the existing education welfare schemes and legislative provision. The main objective of educational development schemes is to encourage the Scheduled Castes population to go for education to improve their literacy rate and uplift their living standard.
REFERENCES:
1. Singh R.B. (2003). Scheduled Castes Welfare: Myth or Reality. New Delhi: APH Publishing Corporation.
2. Andrabi A.A. (2016). Schemes for Educational Development of Scheduled Tribes of Jammu and Kashmir. Bharatiya Samajik Chintan 03(1):47-53. ISSN Number: 0972-8775
3. Government of Punjab. Department of Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes. Departmental Schemes for the years.2003-04.
4. ibid.
5. Government of Punjab. Scheduled Caste, Backward Classes and Schemes for Minority Groups. Year, 2013.(In Punjabi)
6. ibid.
7. Singh R.B. (2003). Scheduled Castes Welfare: Myth or Reality. New Delhi: APH Publishing Corporation.
8. Government of Punjab. Scheduled Caste, Backward Classes and Schemes for Minority Groups. Year, 2013.(In Punjabi)
9. Government of Punjab. Department of Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes. Departmental Schemes for the years.2003-04.
10. ibid.
11. Singh R.B. (2003). Scheduled Castes Welfare: Myth or Reality. New Delhi: APH Publishing Corporation. Government of Punjab. Scheduled Caste, Backward Classes and Schemes for Minority Groups. Year, 2013.(In Punjabi)
12. ibid.
13. ibid.
14. Government of Punjab. Department of Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes. Departmental Schemes for the years.2003-04.
15. ibid.
16. Singh R.B. (2003). Scheduled Castes Welfare: Myth or Reality. New Delhi: APH Publishing Corporation.
17. ibid.
18. Government of Punjab. Scheduled Caste, Backward Classes and Schemes for Minority Groups. Year, 2013.(In Punjabi)
19. ibid.
20. Singh R.B. (2003). Scheduled Castes Welfare: Myth or Reality. New Delhi: APH Publishing Corporation.
21. Government of Punjab. Scheduled Caste, Backward Classes and Schemes for Minority Groups. Year, 2013.(In Punjabi)
22. ibid.
23. Government of Punjab. Department of Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes. Departmental Schemes for the years.2003-04.
24. ibid.
Received on 08.11.2017 Modified on 20.11.2017
Accepted on 21.12.2017 © A&V Publication all right reserved
Int. J. Ad. Social Sciences. 2017; 5(4):217-222.