When will tribal education improve?

Despite impressive enrollment numbers at the primary level (over 106%), Andhra Pradesh’s tribal education system is battling deep-rooted challenges. Dropout rates at secondary and higher secondary levels have soared to an alarming 70.9%, driven by poor infrastructure, teacher shortages, cultural barriers, and severe malnutrition among over 60,000 tribal children, according to UDISE+ 2024–25 data.

The state runs an extensive network of 199 Gurukula schools, including 27 for general tribal students, 10 for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), and 28 centrally funded Ekalavya Model Residential Schools. Together, these institutions educate 53,635 students. However, many districts—like Vizianagaram and Kakinada—still lack Gurukulas even after the creation of new administrative divisions.

Additionally, 378 ashram schools offer education up to grade 10, yet 70% lack boundary walls, leaving children vulnerable to wild animals at night. Nearly 1,933 government tribal primary schools, mostly single-teacher setups, struggle to ensure basic literacy.

Infrastructure in districts such as Parvathipuram Manyam and Visakhapatnam remains deplorable—schools without toilets, safe drinking water, or uniforms are common. At Kurupam Gurukula, 223 students share a single toilet. Teacher shortages further weaken the system; many Gurukulas rely on temporary, underpaid staff unfamiliar with tribal languages and culture.

Health issues compound the crisis. Malnutrition—manifesting as stunting, wasting, and underweight conditions—continues to hinder learning outcomes. Despite government allocations under the Tribal Sub-Plan, only a fraction of funds have been effectively used.

Social activists and student unions accuse the government of neglect and mismanagement. As activist J.V. Ratnam asserts, “Education is the only way to integrate tribal children into modern society.” Unless Andhra Pradesh addresses these systemic failures with urgency, the promise of inclusive education for its tribal communities will remain unfulfilled.