Palghar sees high drop-out rates among tribal students despite good grades

Ever since he scored 78 per cent in the SSC exams, Sumit Fasala, 16, has been the pride of his family and his tribal hamlet Save. But the teenager has just one thing on his mind - is there any point to all his hard work if he is ultimately forced to become a farm and construction labourer? Sumit is among thousands of students in the tribal belt who dream of going to Palghar for further studies and eventually earning themselves a brighter future. But the sad truth is that most of these students will never get to wear a graduation gown and cap - not because they lack talent, but because Palghar simply does not seem to have room for them.

Their villages do not have any facilities for further study, and the only way the students can afford to study in Palghar is if the government provides them with accommodation in hostels. Despite crores of rupees being dedicated for tribal development, Palghar's tribal hostels still have room only for 240 tribal students each year - 120 girls and 120 boys. Compare this to the thousands of students who apply for these spots every year, and it's not hard to understand why Sumit is now considering dropping out of school and just joining his father in seasonal farming and construction work.

Manisha Gangade, Ruchita Mali and Manisha Usara are contemplating dropping out of their BA course because of lack of support from the government.

Petition signed
As many as 94 students in a similar situation have now signed a petition to the Collector of Palghar district, the Tribal Development ministry and other authorities, asking for more hostel facilities. Ironically, the state's cabinet minister for tribal development Vishnu Savara is also guardian minister of the Palghar district. "There are so many students going through the same situation. But not all are aware of their rights or get support from their families to fight this struggle. Their parents would rather want them to start contributing to the family's income. This is the poor condition of the biggest tribal belt near Mumbai," said Shaila Urade, administrator of the Sonopant Dandekar college, a reputed institute in Palghar that is witnessing high drop-out rates among tribal students due to scarce boarding facilities in Palghar.

Sumit Fasala isn't sure he will ever get to see the inside of a college. Pics/Falguni Agrawal

First-class dropouts
Manisha Usara, Ruchita Mali and Manisha Gangade - all aged 18, in their second year of BA at Dandekar college - tried another strategy. "Our teachers told us about the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Swayam Yojana, under which tribal students are supposed to get Rs 3,000 per month to pay for private accommodation and other needs," said Gangade. The three of them rented a room together but were nearly thrown out by the landlord after the government had failed to release their grant for three months. "If we do not get the money soon, we have no option but to quit and head home. At this rate how can tribal students depend on the government?" she questioned. All three girls, like Sumit, are first-class students, scoring over 60 per cent in Std XII. Bhushan Bhoir, professor of Science at Dandedkar college, said, "There are so many intelligent students who are forced to quit on their education dreams because of such mismanagement. It is not easy for any student to score above 60 per cent, especially without tuitions. So many of my friends had quit college because of this. I do not want to see the same thing now that I am a teacher. The government has to make it easier for students to avail the facilities that they are entitled to."

Also see: These Mumbai tantriks raped women on the pretext of 'healing' them