APPENDIX A (k) : REPORT ON THE PROGRESS OF EDUCATION OF THE SCHEDULED TRIBES AND SCHEDULED AREAS IN VARIOUS STATES
The following is a brief record of the progress made in States from whom reports have been received :-
Scheduled areas consist of four districts of Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, East and West Godavari.
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During 1954-55 there were altogether 18 Government Elementary schools, 57 aided Elementary schools in Srikakulam District out of which two were Government' Higher Elementary schools; and two Boarding Houses at Gurmmane Lakshminuram and Seethanpets for the benefit of Tribal people.
Thirty-seven Government hill Elementary schools and four Higher Elementary schools, three District Board schools, 62 aided schools and seven Adult Education Centres were working in Visakhapatnam District during 1954-55.
There were five Government subsidised hostels and one Government Boarding House in this District.
There were 235 Elementary schools in 1954-55 for the benefit of the Scheduled Tribes. Three High schools at Bhadra-Chalam, Venkatapuram and Kunavaram continued to function. Basic Higher Elementary schools at Cherla and Lingampeta worked well. Eight free boarding houses and three centres for supply of free midday meals to the pupils studying in the schools were maintained at Government cost.
Twenty-nine Government Elementary schools, 24 aided schools and 15 Adult schools were working during the year. Five Government subsidised hostels at Kondukota, Bullayagudem, jangareddigudem, and a girls hostel at Polavaram continued to function. Six midday meals centres were opened at important places for the benefit of the Hill Tribes and Harijan students studying in the schools.
There was one Government High school with hostel at Polavaram and two Board High schools at jangareddigudem and Keyyalagudam for Hill Tribes and Scheduled Tribes pupils. Free boarding and lodging facilities and book allowances were being provided as well as scholarships and fee concessions.
There were altogether about 63,000 school-going children, but the existing schools catered to the needs of only 19,500. There was reluctance to take education and general indifference to sending children to schools.
The facilities provided comprised maintenance of special schools, free hostels at certain important centres, provision of scholarships, boarding grants, grants for the purchase of books and clothing, examination fees, supply of midday meals etc. The Government were running 470 Harijan Welfare Elementary schools and two High schools for the benefit of Harijan and other Backward Classes children. There were 941 teachers and 39,688 school-going children. The annual expenditure on these schools was: Rs.12,72,000/-. The total number of schools located in Government buildings was 152.
Under the First Five-Year Plan 81,840 scholarships were granted till then to Harijan and other eligible communities. A sum of Rs.9.09 lakhs was spent during 1954-55 on granting 23,535 scholarships.
There were 11 Government hostels during 1934-55 catering to the needs of Harijan and Backward Classes pupils. Out of 951 in these hostels only 10% were Backward Classes children. The expenditure incurred on the maintenance of these hostels was Rs. 2,22,400/-.
By the end of 1954-55 there were 321 subsidised hostels receiving 8,555 grants amounting to Rs: 12.83 lakhs. -
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1. Grants-in-aid to, non-Government Secondary Schools. A sum of Rs. 55,120/sanctioned annually since 1950-51 was raised to Rs. 1,56,500/- and this amount was distributed to as many as 120 schools of different Hill Areas.'
2. Special Scholarships : The provision of Rs. 50,000/- sanctioned annually since 1950-51 was raised to Rs. 1,20,000/- for scholarships. 849 special scholarships were sanctioned during 1954-55.
3. Introduction of Basic Education in Hill Areas : The existing Basic Training Centre at Aijal in Mize Hills continued to function satisfactorily. Two Graduates and 19 L. P. teachers were trained in Basic education and a few Basic schools were established during the year. A sum of Rs. 1,21,914/was spent out of the sanctioned grant of Rs. 1,65,433/-. Construction of another Basic Training Centre in Gar Hills was taken up by the Government in the P. W. Department.
4. Grants-in-aid to Primary Schools: A provision of Rs. 15,000/- made during 1952-53 was raised to Rs. 75,000/- for sanctioning a grant to Primary schools organized by concerned District Councils of Autonomous Districts including Naga Hills. A sum of Rs. 16,120/- was set apart for sanctioning grant to 61 non-government Primary schools in Naga Hills.
5. Grants to Nursery schools: 14 Nursery, i. c., 12 in Mize Hills and two in Jayantiya and Khasi Hills, received grants-in-aid during the year out of the sanctioned amount of Rs. 3,000/-.
6. Construction of school buildings: Rs. 2,15,000/- was allotted for Government Secondary school buildings.
7. Establishment of Government L. P. schools: 76 Government L. P. schools were provincialized during the year in addition to 40 existing schools taken over during 1953-54. A provision of Rs. 70,000/- was made to run the above 116 schools.
8. Appointment of Additional Pandits: 117 additional Pandits in Government L.P. schools of Naga Hills were entertained in addition-to 75 Pandits appointed during 1953-54 in Naga Hills.
A provision of Rs. 55,000/- was made in the budget for the purpose.
In the year 1954-55 a sum of Rs. 2,85,450/- was distributed to 300 Non-Government Secondary Plains Tribal Schools for improvement of the condition of the schools in the areas predominently inhabited by the Plains Tribal people.
In the year 1954-55, a sum of Rs. 30,000/- was distributed to as many as 160 non-government Secondary schools.
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In the year 1954-55 and 1955-56, 42 Social Education Centres were organised and 20 aided Rural Libraries were functioning in these Centres. These Centres were organised in the areas predominantly inhabited by the Plains Tribal people.
Sixty Primary schools have been converted into Basic schools during 1954-55. These converted schools are situated in the areas predominantly inhabited by Plains Tribal people.
During 1954-55 an expenditure of Rs. 30,000/-was incurred on this scheme, and 80 teachers were deputed for Basic Training.
During 1954-55 grarts-in-aid to the following colleges were paid:-
1. Rs. 5,000/- for a cookshed cum dining place in the hostel attached to J. B. College, Jorhat.
2. Rs. 12,500/-for hostel and cookshed in the Darrang College, Tezpur.
3. Rs. 12,.500/- for hostel and cookshed in the Nowgong College, Nowgong.
Rs. 15,000/- each were sanctioned to Nowgong Teachers' Training Institute and Rangia Teachers' Training Institute for construction of building for the accommodation of Plains Tribal teachers in the Institutes.
A sum of Rs. 10,000/- was distributed to as many as 15 colleges for giving half free and full free studentships to deserving Plains Tribal Students of Colleges during 1954-55.
A sum of Rs. 5,000/- was distributed to the Plains Tribal students for purchasing textbooks.
A sum of Rs. 30,000/- was given to four Girls' High Schools @ Rs. 7,500/each for construction of a hostel building to provide accommodation to the Plains Tribal Girls students. Another sum of Rs. 20,000/- was distributed to Dangari M. E. and Dhamaji M. E. School, Barabarua High School etc. for construction of a hostel building during 1954-55.
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During 1954-55 an expenditure of Rs. 4,000/- was incurred.
(i) Maintenance of Special Schools for Adiwasi in the Dehanu, Mukhada, Umbergaon and Jawahar Talukas of the Thana District:-
It was proposed to introduce compulsory primary education in these areas and to bring the children between the age group 7-11 years to schools. During 1954-55 there were 115 schools ; one school in the Dahanu Taluka having been closed due to low attendance.
(ii) Maintenance of Special Schools for the Adiwasi in the Jhalod Taluka of Panchmahals District :-
It was proposed to open additional primary schools in the area. During 1954-55 there were 26 schools with an enrolment of 1,605 pupils.
(iii) Opening of Shifting Camp Schools for the Katkaris in the Thana District:-
Under this scheme out of 18 schools proposed only two schools were opened during 1951-52 and these schools were maintained in 1954- 55.
(iv) Allowance to Teachers Working in Private Primary Schools in Backward Areas with Bad Climate :-
Under this scheme a special allowance of Rs. 3/- p. m. per teacher is paid to teachers working in private primary schools situated in the backward areas of the Districts of Ahmednagar, Thana, Panchmahals, Kolaba, East & West Khandesh, Surat, Poona and Nasik. All eligible teachers were paid this allowance during 1954-55.
(v) Expansion and Opening of Additional Backward Classes Hostels in the Scheduled Areas :-
According to the recommendations of the ad-hoc Committee, 22 hostels were expanded and 34 new hostels were opened for the Backward Classes pupils. They were maintained through the D. S. B.'s. during 1954-55.
(vi) Special Government Scholarships for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes Pupils in Primary Schools:-
During 1954-55, 985 pupils were awarded scholarships at a cost of Rs. 35,128/-. In addition 260 ex-Criminal Tribes pupils were awarded these scholarships at a cost of Rs. 7,572/-.
(vii) Experimental Measures for Promoting Education among the Scheduled Tribes:-
Under this scheme, it was proposed to give prizes to pupils and bonuses to teachers in order to attract greater number of Scheduled Tribes pupils to schools and increase the attendance therein. During 1954-55, 9,009 pupils of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes were benefitted under the scheme and the expenditure incurred was Rs. 19,151/-. 352 teachers were awarded the bonus of Rs. 4,635/-
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(viii) 'Opening of Ashram Schools for Scheduled Tribes:-
It was proposed to open Ashram Schools for Scheduled Tribes through voluntary agencies on grant-in-aid basis. The underlying idea,was that the Scheduled Tribes pupils should be given intensive basic training for the full primary course, free lodging and boarding. Out of 18 sanctioned Ashram Schools, 15 actually started functioning upto 1954-55. The present number. of children in the Ashram School is 704. The expenditure incurred on the scheme during 1954-55 was Rs. 5,12,881
(ix) Opening of Ashram Schools-cum-Sanskar Kendras for pupils of Ex-Criminal Tribes :--
It was proposed to open Ashram Schools-cum-Sanskar Kendras for the benefit of ex-Criminal Tribes to promote education among them. Out of seven Sanctioned Ashram Schools-cum-Sanskar Kendras five have started functioning. The present number of pupils in these schools is 195. The expenditure incurred on the maintenance or these schools during 1954-55 was Rs. 37,920/-.
(x) Free Supply of Books and Slates to Ex-Critninal Tribes Pupils:-
The scheme was introduced during 1953-54 and pupils belonging to ex-Criminal Tribes in public primary schools were supplied books and slates free of cost during 1953-1954 and 1954-55.
(xi) Grant of non-Pensionable Pay of Rs. 5/- p. m. to Teachers working in Primary Schools in the Scheduled Areas :-
In order to induce primary teachers posted in Scheduled Areas where amenities of life are lacking to work with vigour and zeal and to increase the attendance in the schools it was proposed to give a non-pensionable special pay of Rs. 5/- p. m. to primary teachers working in public or approved primary schools. As the additional remuneration, however, was sanctioned in June, 1954 no appreciable increase in attendance was notice 1.
(xii) Conversion of Primary Schools into Basic Schools for the benefit of Ex-Criminal Tribes:-
Of the proposed four primary schools two schools were converted into Basic schools during 1953-54 and the remaining two schools were being converted in 1954-55.
(xiii) Conversion of Ordinary Primary Schools in the backward areas into Agricultural bias Schools:-
There were in all 41 Agricultural bias schools opened in the backward areas during 1954-55. The total number of pupils in thes schools was 11,796.
(xiv) Freeships to Scheduled Tribes Pupils in Secondary Schools
All eligible backward class pupils reading in Secondary schools were granted concession of freeships during 1954-55. There were 25,351 pupils and the expenditure incurred was Rs. 17,64,354/-.
(xv) Special Government Scholarships to Scheduled Tribes Pupils in Secondary Schools:-
The scheme envisaged award of 246 sets of scholarships for back- ward class pupils in Secondary schools. Each set was to consist of seven scholarships.
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(xvi) Government Special Scholarships to Scheduled Tribes Pupils in Vocational High Schools:-
There were in all 48 sets of scholarships each containing four scholarships of the value of Rs. 10/8/-p.m. During 1954-55, 150 Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes pupils were awarded scholarships and the expenditure incurred on the scheme was Rs. 15,191/-.
(Xvii) Liquidation of Adult Illiteracy among Scheduled Tribes:-
Under the Social Education scheme, Social Education Classes were started, attended by Scheduled Tribes pupils along with others. The workers conducting the classes are paid grant in aid at Rs.4/- and Rs. 5/- per adult passing the first and the second test respectively.
(xviii) Tuition Fee Grants:-All eligible candidates belonging to Backward Classes including those belonging to Scheduled Tribes receiving training in nongovernment primary training colleges were exempted from payment of tuition fees and college and hostel entrance fees. A grant of Rs. 33,737/- was paid to the managements of non- government Primary Training Colleges to compensate the loss in tuition fees during 1954-55.
(xix) Award of Stipends to Scheduled Tribes Pupils in non- government Primary Training Colleges:-
560 stipends of the value of Rs. 20/- each p. m. sanctioned for Backward pupils including Scheduled Tribes were continued during the year under review. All women students were automatically selected.
(xx) Free hostel accommodation for pupils belonging to Scheduled Tribes in hostels attached to non-government Secondary Schools and Colleges:-
All eligible backward class pupils in government Colleges and Secondary schools are exempted from payment of room rents for hostel accommodation. As regards hostels attached to non-government Secondary schools, and colleges, all eligible Backward Classes pupils are given admission to such hostels free of rent. During 1954-55, 330 Backward Classes pupils were given the concession at a cost of Rs, 18,436/-.
(xxi) Free Studentships to Scheduled Tribes Pupils in Colleges:-
In 1954-53, 921 Scheduled Castes, 719 other Backward Classes, 85 Scheduled Tribes and three from Scheduled Areas were granted freeship at a cost of Rs. 3,14,903/-.
(xxii) Government Special Scholarships to Backward Classes Pupils in Colleges:-
The scheme envisaged award of scholarships to eligible Backward Classes Pupils in Arts, Science and Professional Colleges. The value of scholarship is Rs. 25/-p. m. During 1954-55, 1,485 pupils were awarded scholarships at a cost of Rs. 3,40,375/-.
(xxiii) Miscellaneous Schemes lump sum and other scholarships to all indigent Scheduled Tribes pupils and indigent Backward Classes pupils in Scheduled Areas:-
During 1954-55, 1011 pupils were awarded scholarships under this scheme at a cost of Rs. 13,733/-.
(xxiv) Grants to voluntary agencies for maintaining hostels for pupils belonging to Scheduled Tribes:-
This scheme envisages payment of grants to voluntary agencies for recognised hostels catering predominantly for Scheduled Tribes pupils in Sche-
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duled Areas. During 1954-55 the rate of grant which was to the extent of 60% of the admissible expenditure was raised to 80%. 28 voluntary agencies were paid grant to the tune of Rs. 3,08,498/-.
(xxv) Cost on account of Scheduled Tribes pupils in Government Hostels:-
Government has maintained three hostels one each at Poona, Hubli and Ahmedabad, specially for Backward Classes pupils. 23 Scheduled Tribes pupils took advantage of the hostel facilities at a cost of Rs. 11,353/- during 1954-55.
(xxvi) Special concessions to voluntary agencies for extending their activities to Scheduled Areas of merged States territories:-
The scheme envisages payment of grants at enhanced rates to voluntary agencies for maintaining Backward Classes hostels in Scheduled Areas and for doing general propaganda work. Nine voluntary agencies were aided to the extent of Rs. 8,180/- during 1954-55.
(xxvii) Grants to Voluntary Agencies working for uplift of Scheduled Tribes
The scheme envisages payment of grants to voluntary agencies at sanctioned rates for propaganda work for the social and educational uplift of Scheduled Tribes. Eight voluntary agencies were given grant-in-aid to the tune of Rs.28,121/- during the year under review.
Up till now 535 Basic schools, 10, Basic Training schools and 14 Sarvodaya High schools were opened in the State. Of these 147 basic schools, eight Basic Training schools and -three Sarvodaya High schools were opened in the Scheduled and Backward areas of the State. The most important scheme under Primary education was the Educational Plan for Hindi speaking people in the backward areas of the State. The distribution of institutions which were in the backward districts of Manbhum, Singhbhum, Santhal, Parganas, Purnea and Dhanbad under the old schemes and under this revised scheme was as follows :-
No. of L.P. No. of U.P. No. of Middle No. of Social Education
Schools. Schools. Schools Centres.
1 2 3 4
Old Schemes. 588 160 90 350
No. of Teachers Training No. of Mod Total No. of
Centres. Mandalies. Institutions.
5 6 7
12 5 1205
No. of old L.P. No. of new L.P. No. of Junior No. of Senior
Schools. Schools (converted Basic Schools Basic School-cum-
from Social Edn. cum-Social Social Education
Centres). Education Centres. Centres.
1 2 3 4
Revised Scheme 588 350 160 90
No. of Teachers Training No. of Mod Total No. of
Centres. Mandalies. Institutions.
5 6 7
12 5 1205
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The revised scheme was sanctioned at a total cost of Rs.39,43,360/-.
The schemes which benefit the backward classes most under this head was the subsidisation of the 23 High schools in the backward areas of the State. Although Girls' High schools and Girls' Middle schools were net recommended for grant-in-aid under Art. 275 of the Constitution, in scheduled areas, government Girls' High schools were opened at Ranchi, Dumka and Chaibassa and government Girls' Middle schools at Cumla Khunti, Simdaga, Latehar, Raj Mahal, Jamtara, Pakur, Chakradharpur and Saraikella. Similarly a number of High schools in scheduled areas were selected for the introduction of diversified courses in them.
Out of 1673 old Social education centres in the State 349 centres were located in the districts of Purnea, Santal Parganas, Ranchi, Singhbum, Manbhum and Dhanbad. Subsequently 250 Social education centres were also organised and all these are situated in the backward districts of Santhal Parganas, Purnea, Singhbhum, Manbhum and Dhanbad. In addition to these 70 out of the 250 Social education centres in urban areas 35 out of 100 Social education centres in rural areas were organised in the backward areas in pursuance of the policy to relieve educated unemployment in the State. Out of 297 circulating libraries of the State, 55 libraries serve the people of the Districts of Manbhum, Singhbhum, Purnea, Santhal Parganas and Ranchi. Although the State Government do not get any grant-in-aid from the 'Government of India far running these centres and circulating libraries, their operation indicate the amount of social work done for the welfare of S., C., S.T. and O.B C. of the State.
The following steps were taken for the educational development of Saraikella and Kharswan which are mainly inhabited by aborginals :-
1. State management of two high schools-one of Sarakella and other at Kharswan.
2. State management of the two girls' middle schools.
3. Meeting of the deficit of all Primary and Middle schools which have been placed under the local Education Council.
Many colleges were opened in' the backward areas of this State. Most of these colleges received State aid for their development. The Chaibassa College received a non-recurring grant of Rs. 1,00,000/- and a recurring grant of Rs. 24,000/- for expansion and improvement of its activities.
Four State libraries were opened at the district headquarters of the district of Ranchi, Santa] Parganas, Purulia. Grants to libraries of the State including those of the Backward and Scheduled areas were also disbursed in the shape of books.
The work relating to the welfare of Scheduled Tribes, the population of which in the States of Madhya Pradesh is 24,77, 024 (i.e. about 12 persent of the total population) continue to receive special attention of government during the period under report. The working of the Tribal Welfare Scheme was thoroughly examined by a Cabinet Sub-Committee by the end of the year 1952, as a result of which the scheme was revised. One of the important
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activities of the Tribal Welfare Scheme is 'Education' The information given below will indicate the progress made under Education.
1. Total number 'of Primary Schools. 790
2. Total number of Middle Schools. 62
3. Total number of Hostels. 55
4. Award of Middle School scholarships at Rs. 12/- p.m.
for 12 months. 1700 students
5. Award of High School scholarships at Rs. 20/- p. m.
for 12 months. 715 students
6. Award of hostel stipends at Rs. 20/- p. m. for 12
months. 1020 students
7. Award of Normal School stipends at Rs. 25/- p. m.
for 12 months. 180 students
The Tribal welfare Department has also undertaken the responsibility of running three High schools at Baihar in Balghat Dist., Dharni in Amaravati Dist., and Dundori in Mandla Dist., with effect from July, 1953.
A research institute a Chhindiwara and a special Normal school at Sihora in Mandla Dist., for training teachers required for the schools under the scheme have also been opened during the period under report.
The following facilities are given to the students taking education in the Primary schools and Middle schools open under the Tribal Welfare Scheme.
1. Free Education.
2. Free supply of books and slates to students in Primary Schools.
3. Mid-day refershments to students in Primarry Schools.
4. Free supply of dresses to girls (10 girls per Primary school and 5 girls per Middle school).
As regards building and equipment, it may be stated that at present the construction work of the buildings for the Primary schools, Middle schools and quarters for teachers at Tribal Welfare Centres has already been undertaken through the Forest Department. The schools have been equipped with all necessary articles such as chains, pebles, black-boards etc.
The special educational facilities for the Scheduled Tribes in the State consisted in the opening and maintenance of new schools and hostels.
In March, 1955 two new schools in Chamarajanagar Taluk and Gundlupet Taluk with hostel facilities were opened for the Scheduled Tribes. Thus altogether there were seven Primary schools exclusively meant for these Tribes of which four had hostels attached.
Particular attention was given to the progress and improvement of pupils belonging to the above Tribes who study in the general schools of the State.
The number of pupils of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Communities sudying in the Primary and Secondary Schools classes during 1954-55 is given below: -
Scheduled Castes Scheduled Tribes Other Backward
Communities
1. Primary Schools Classes. 1,16,533 12,170 1,19,290
2. Middle Schools Classes. 15,676 1,594 21,084
3. High Schools Classes. 4,274 613 8,813
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They were given free education, the poor and deserving being also exempted from examination fees. Scholarships were awarded to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes pupils as follows :-
High School (Rs. 40/- per Middle School (Rs. 25/-per
Classes. pupil) Classes. pupil)
1. Scheduled Castes. 1,886 3,437
2. Scheduled Tribes. 155 761
3. Other Backward 1,712 1,778
Communities.
Pupils belonging to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes of the Primary classes were given free supply of text. books and slates according to the availability of funds.
Out of 4,330 pupils of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes, who appeared for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate examination of March, 1955 1,438 pupils passed the examination.
The total number of scholarships granted to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes students for Post- Matriculation studies as last year was 89, 29 and 36 respectively.
The educational schemes in respect of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes during 1954-55 were almost the same as implemented during the last two years. The following three schemes together with the education completely free for them upto Class V as no Government fees are charged from any student. The expenditure incurred and number of students benefitted were as follows; -
Amount Spent. Targets Achieved.
S. T. S. C. S. T. S. C.
1. Payment of non-Govt. fee. 5,938 5,5741 3,376 11,882
2. Distribution of books and 14,933 18,565 3,37 19,487
stationery.
3. Uniform. 14,933 13,796 4,095 3,866
4. Award of Scholarships-Scho larships were awarded to students in Class VI and above.
The number of scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes students benefitted by the award of scholarships were 369 and 119 respectively with the total expenditure of Rs. 16,000/- and Rs. 6,000/-.
5. Night Schools-100 night schools were opened and maintained during 1954-55, each having a strength of 30 adults. The term of school was six months during which time they were taught the three Rs. 6,000 adults were made literate during the year. The total expenses on these schools were Rs. 20,800/- and Rs. 18,023/- respectively.
The hostels constructed in 1954-55 were kept under the charge of Heads of Institutions who manage them as they do others. No rent was charged from the students. In order that these students may not grow in isolation, 10% seats in these hostels are reserved for non- Scheduled castes people.
There were in all 20 Ashrams for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Ex-Criminal Tribes which were continued. Out of these Ashrams five
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were vocational Ashrams where boys were imparted training in Carpentry, Smithy, Tailoring and Bamboo Work. 100 students were imparted such training in 1954-55.
Two forest schools in accessible areas of the tribal people were maintained at Chari and Bhammarkhoh in Districts of Tikamgarh and Sidhi. These schools were imparting Primary education to tribal children.
Besides the vocational Ashrams, 10% seats in all vocational and training institutes in V.P. were reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Clasess students. Each student was awarded a stipend of Rs. 20/-. Seven students who undertook training in Carpentry, Weaving and Bamboo Work were benefitted.
The students of Classes I to XI belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes and studying in recognised schools in the States enjoyed full fee concession.
In addition to the above concession, students of Secondary classes were awarded yearly stipend in lump sum for the purchase of books and stationery. While selecting candidates for employment a quota of 12 1/2% was kept reserved for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. In training institutions also preference was@ given to such candidates for admission to them if they fulfilled the minimum qualifications. During 1954-55 a sum of Rs. 3,15,460/- was spent on giving stipends to 8940 pupils of these Castes. The total enrolment was 8066 pupils in the Primary and 3817 in the Secondary classes.
During 1954-55, there were 48 students belonging to the Backward Classes and none of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes studying in the University classes of the 'Government College, Mercara and out of this number, 33 students were recipients of scholarships sanctioned by the Government of India under the Backward Classes Scholarships Board. The amount of scholarship sanctioned to these 33 pupils was Rs. 16,912/-. Another student belonging to Backward Class was awarded a scholarship of Rs. 120/- a year from local Education Endownment funds.
The amenities provided to the pupils of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes during the previous year viz, free tuition, free supply of mid-day meals, books and stationery, two sets of dress, milk, etc. were extended during 1954-55. The number of schools run by the State Government for the education of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes pupils in Coorg remained at four as in the previous year and the Primary school at Kutta was raised to the status of a Middle school during the year. The pre-Primary schools known as Feeder schools at Arameri and Nanchi run for the benefit of the Scheduled Castes in these areas continued to receive Government grant during 1954-55. Five more Feeder schools, where the number of Scheduled Castes Scheduled Tribes students was sufficient to open a school were opened by the local Committees. Building grants for the extension of school buildings of Tribal Schools at Kutta and Churicad were also sanctioned and a sum of Rs. 4,500/- was made available for this purpose.
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The Backward Classes of Coorg are not allowed any special treatment other than the reservation of scholarships to an extent of 40%. In deserving cases they are granted free tuition by the award of freeships.
During 1954-55, the number of Scheduled Castes pupils receiving education in all the Primary, Middle and High schools in Coorg was 1816 as against 1766 in the previous year. The number of Tribal people also increased from 620 to 958. A sum of Rs. 69,684/- was spent on education and other facilities for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes pupils during 195455, exclusive of Rs. 3,830/- spent by the Coorg Forest Department on the tribal school maintained by it.
During 1954-55 the enrolment of boys and girls of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes increased by about 50% of the total enrolment of 1953-54. The enrolment during 1954-55 was as under:
Scheduled Castes. 3,810
Scheduled Tribes. 854
Other Backward Classes. 3,599
Total 8,263
By way of providing more educational facilities to these pupils Rs. 99,128/ 1/9 are distributed in the form of scholarships and grants for books during 1954-55. During the current financial year the State has made a Budget provision of Rs. 50,000/- for the award of scholarships and another provision of Rs. 15,800/- for the purpose of books.
In the Basic Training College three pupil-teachers were enrolled during 1954-55.
Under the Tribal Welfare Scheme 90 Primary schools have so far been started in predominantly Tribal areas and 2,016 boys have been receiving education free of cost in these schools. Besides these, there are about 670 more Primary schools in the rural areas where tribal boys have been getting all educational facilities. At present in Tripura, Tribal students are receiving free education upto collegiate standard.
To attract Tribal students 12 Boarding Houses have been attached to Tribal schools. In some of the borading houses free food is being provided to Tribal boys.
Stipends have also been awarded to Tribal students to encourage them.
Though there is no Secondary school under the Tribal Welfare Scheme in the Tribal areas there are five M. E. schools and two junior High schools in the Tribal areas which are mainly catering to Tribal boys.
To encourage Tribal students in receiving Higher education eight Boarding Houses, exclusively meant for Tribal boys, have been attached to Government secondary schools.
Though there are no Senior Basic schools under the Tribal welfare Scheme there are two Senior Basic schools in the Tribal areas where the majority of the students receiving education are Tribal.
There is one junior Basic school under the Tribal Welfare Scheme. Besides this, there are six other junior Basic schools in the Tribal areas catering mainly to Tribal students.
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The total expenditure for the year 1954-55 on the Tribal Welfare Schemes was Rs. 1,89,433/-.
The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes students are given the following facilities for the advancement of their education :-
1.All the Government and the Government recognised schools are open to all the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes students. The number of such students as on 1-1 1-1955 was 1,972 including 232 girls.
2. All the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes students are given their tuition fee by the Government. Primary students are also given books and two pairs of Khadi clothes.
3. Deserving Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students studying in the Std. V. and above are given monthly scholarships of Rs. 5/- to Rs. 10/.
4. The students of the said classes are also given monthly scholarships of Rs. 25/- to Rs. 40/- for industrial training such as Agriculture, Weaving, Leather Work etc.
5. The Government is conducting two Backward Classes free hostels accommodating 70 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes students. The inmates are provided with free food, clothes, education etc.
Besides this the Government gives 50 to 75% grants to the three private free Backward Classes hostels, accommodating 150 Scheduled Tribes students, including 20 girls. Here also the inmates are provided with free food, clothes, education etc.
6. The Government has also sanctioned 28 Social Educational Centres for providing free education to adults.
There were 1972 pupils of these Castes in the Schools in the year 1954-55. Total expenditure incurred was-
Backward Classes Rs. 46,345/-
Scheduled Tribes Rs. 12,627/-
Ex-Criminal Tribes Rs. 2,082/-