Govt upgrades 24 ashram schools to boost tribal edu

Mumbai: The state cabinet on Tuesday approved upgradation of five primary ashram schools run by NGOs to secondary level and 19 secondary schools to higher secondary-junior college level through the tribal development department. Officials said this decision will contribute greatly to the educational progress of tribal students."Approval was also given for the creation of necessary posts and provision of expenditure for the same by upgradation of these ashram schools. This will accelerate the education of children of tribal brothers in the hilly and remote areas of the state," said an official.The "Ashram School Group" scheme started in 1972-73 to spread education among the tribals in the hilly and remote areas of the state. Under this scheme, 556 aided ashram schools are currently being run by NGOs. Of them, 37 are primary aided ashram schools (grades 1 to 7) and 319 secondary aided ashram schools (grades 1 to 10). Also, 200 junior colleges (grades 1 to 12) attached to secondary ashram schools are being started. About 2,61,836 (1,40,254 boys and 1,21,582 girls) students are studying in these schools."Due to the dire financial situation of their homes, tribal students are not keen on going to talukas or districts for further education. Due to this, the dropout rate increases and students are deprived of secondary and higher secondary education. The number of girls is especially high in them. For this, the government is focusing on providing residential education to these students in their own areas. Apart from this, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has also recommended the Tribal Development Department to encourage aided ashram schools," said the official.