Author: Dr. Rajdeep Khan
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/04020043
Abstract : Education is a powerful tool for empowerment, especially for marginalized communities such as tribal groups in India. The Mahali tribe, spread across Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha, has historically faced challenges in accessing quality education due to poverty, socio-cultural practices, and infrastructural gaps. This study examines the role of government educational schemes in empowering the Mahali tribe, using a qualitative approach based on secondary data from policy documents, government reports, and existing research.The findings suggest that schemes such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Right to Education Act (RTE), mid-day meal program, scholarships, and residential schools have played a significant role in improving enrollment and reducing dropout rates among Mahali students. These initiatives have provided financial support, nutritional security, and safe learning environments, which encourage regular participation in schooling. Residential schools and hostels, in particular, have helped bridge the gap for children living in remote areas by offering access to education closer to their communities.However, secondary data also reveals limitations. While schemes have improved access, they often fail to address deeper socio-cultural barriers such as language differences, gender bias, and early marriage. Teacher shortages and lack of culturally sensitive pedagogy further restrict the effectiveness of these programs. The digital divide and uneven implementation across regions also limit the reach of government initiatives.Despite these challenges, the study concludes that government schemes have created important opportunities for empowerment by opening pathways to education, skill development, and social inclusion. For the Mahali tribe, these schemes represent more than just access to schooling—they are steps toward breaking cycles of poverty and marginalization. Strengthening infrastructure, expanding scholarships, and promoting culturally relevant teaching can enhance the impact of these schemes, making education a true instrument of empowerment for the Mahali community.
Keywords: Mahali tribe, Government educational schemes, Empowerment, Rural education, Tribal students, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Right to Education Act.
Page No: 348-355