Vocational education and the Development of Indigenous Communities: A Case Study
Abstract:
The 67.76 mn persons from the schedule tribes make India the nation with the largest number of indigenous people in the world constituting 8.08 % of the total population spreading over 26 states and union territories of the country occupying 20% of the area. These areas are rich in resources with some 90% of India’s coal mines, 80% of its minerals and 72% of its forests and other natural resources. Yet the political and economic systems along with the path of nation-building adopted have progressively marginalized these communities.
However despite these grim realities the introduction of various educational programs over the years has brought in gradual but qualitative transformation in mobilizing tribals opt for their choicest education linked to their skill development. The present study reveals the significant contribution of the vocational education programmes being introduced in the tribal areas and makes an attempt to assess its impact. The study further revealed that those tribals who pursued the vocational education were found to have acquired new knowledge and new skills and were able to qualitatively improve their production processes.
The study at the end makes certain concrete suggestions for sustaining the educational growth vis-à-vis their development.
Author:
Kantayapalem Murali Manohar
Prof.Murali Manohar is presently Professor of Distance Education and Programme Director at Distance Education Quality Support and Training Institute, SDLCE, Kakatiya University, Warangal, India. He has authored more than 15 books and 50 articles on various aspects relating to ODL. His interests include Quality Assurance, Staff Development, Learner Support services and Appropriate Techniques.