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Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2019/Paper II/Tribal Problems & Displacement
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper II 2019 10 Marks Model Answer Available

Issues Relating to Tribal Education — 2019 Paper II

Question · 2019 · Paper II · 10 Marks

Issues relating to tribal education.

Model Answer

VAID ICS

Approach

  • Demand of Question: Identify the major structural, linguistic, economic and cultural barriers affecting education among tribal communities.
  • Structuring the Response: Discuss access, language, curriculum and livelihood constraints, followed by culturally appropriate solutions.
  • Key Dimensions to Cover: Remoteness, mother tongue, dropout, poverty, seasonal migration, curriculum, teachers, Ashram schools and culturally responsive education.

Model Answer

Introduction: Tribal education is affected not merely by lack of schools but by the mismatch between formal educational institutions and tribal ecological, linguistic and cultural realities.

Major issues:

  1. Geographical isolation: Remote settlements make schools physically inaccessible and increase teacher absenteeism.
  2. Language barrier: Children often enter schools where the medium of instruction differs from their mother tongue, causing early learning difficulties.
  3. Economic constraints: Poverty, household work, collection of forest produce and seasonal migration contribute to irregular attendance and dropout.
  4. Cultural mismatch: Textbooks and curricula frequently neglect:
  • tribal histories;
  • indigenous knowledge;
  • local ecology;
  • community traditions.
  1. Teacher-related problems: Lack of teachers familiar with tribal languages and cultures can create social distance.
  2. Residential-school concerns: Ashram and residential schools expand access but require adequate nutrition, safety and culturally sensitive management.

Thus:

Alien language + Alien curriculum + Economic pressure → Educational exclusion

Way forward: Mother-tongue-based early education, locally recruited teachers, contextualized curriculum and community participation are essential.

Conclusion: Tribal education should pursue educational integration without cultural assimilation, enabling modern opportunities while respecting language, identity and indigenous knowledge.

2026 What are the major challenges tribal communities are facing in contemporary India? 2026 Make a critical appraisal of Niyamgiri movement against mining-induced displacement. 2026 Write an account on the prevalence of sickle cell disease among the tribal populations of India. What are the initiatives undertaken by the affected states to tackle with this disease? 2025 Impact of urbanization and industrialization on tribal communities of India

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UPSC Anthropology Optional 2019 — Paper II

28 questions

5(c) Anthropological understanding of communalism.

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 9.3 Contributions of anthropology to the understanding of regionalism, communalism and ethnic and political movements
2019Paper IIEthnicity, Tribal Movements & Social ChangeModel answer available

5(a) Ethnicity and regionalism.

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 7.3 The concept of ethnicity > Regionalism and demand for autonomy
2019Paper IIEthnicity, Tribal Movements & Social ChangeModel answer available

5(d) Issues relating to tribal education.

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 6.2 Problems of the tribal communities > Low literacy and poor educational facilities
2019Paper IITribal Problems & DisplacementModel answer available