Status and determinants of literacy and education among tribals in Odisha

The present study examines the status and the determinants of literacy and education among the tribals in Odisha by using secondary sources of data collected from Census of India reports, Unified District Information System for Education (U-DISE), National Sample Survey (NSS) reports, Economic Survey of Odisha (different issues) and other reports. The study reveals that there exist significant regional, gender and social class disparities in the literacy rates of the state. Among the different social groups, the literacy rate is the lowest among the tribals (Scheduled Tribes) and the highest among the general castes. An attempt has also been made in this study to analyse both supply- and demand-side constraints responsible for such low level of literacy among the tribals. The paper concludes by reiterating the need for proper implementation of policies to redress the problem of low literacy and educational attainment among the tribals and outlines potential policy options which will be helpful in promoting literacy and education in the tribal dominated areas in general and among the tribal women in particular.