Educational Status of Tribals of Jammu and Kashmir: A Case Study of Women (Gujjars) in District Budgam

Abstract

Abstract The education of Scheduled Tribes has become a vital component for the planned development of human resources in India. However, it has been observed that the literacy rates and education levels among Scheduled Tribes residing in Jammu and Kashmir are considerably lower than the national average. For instance, the Gujjars, who lead a nomadic lifestyle in District Budgam, migrate with their livestock to higher altitudes during seasonal journeys. This study utilizes both primary and secondary sources of data to understand the educational challenges faced by these communities. Unfortunately, census data from 2011 reveals that only 25.5% of Scheduled Tribe women in Jammu & Kashmir were literate compared to 34.8% nationally. This disparity can be attributed to several factors such as unawareness, conservative societal norms, traditional lifestyles, poverty, and lack of basic infrastructural facilities that pose significant obstacles to achieving educational attainment. Moreover, the conservative nature of society and stereotypes still prevalent in these sections further exacerbate the issue. To address this problem effectively, it is imperative that government bodies alongside not-for-profit organizations make concerted efforts to expedite progress towards improving education amongst Scheduled Tribes residing in Jammu and Kashmir. This paper aims to examine some fundamental issues faced by women belonging to the Gujjar community on a daily basis in District Budgam within the Union territory of Jammu & Kashmir; how can these deprived sections be brought up-to-speed with progress? In conclusion, it is high time that measures are taken to bridge this gap and ensure equal opportunities for all individuals irrespective of their social background or cultural practices. The government must work towards providing better access to quality education along with adequate infrastructure facilities for students belonging to Scheduled Tribes residing in Jammu and Kashmir so that they can break free from age-old traditions and contribute towards building a better future for themselves and their communities as well as for our country as a whole.