Dept of Anthropology, University of Mysore.
The strength of a society lies in the role of education in training, development and allocation of its manpower resources. Education has been conceived as training for better life and better social adjustment in a community or group. It is a phase of the social process, which is fostered by society for life in-group. It can be said that education is the complete development of individuality so that one can make an original contribution to human life according to one's best capacity. Realizing that Scheduled Tribes are one of the most deprived and marginalized groups with respect to education, most of the programmes and measures have been initiated ever since the Independence. Elementary education was a priority area in the Tribal sub-plans from the 5th Five Year Plan. Education of ST children is considered important, not only because of the Constitutional obligation but also as a crucial input for total development of tribal communities.
