The Ministry of Education reports that over 13,600 SC ST, and OBC students quit higher education institutions such as IITs and IIMs from 2018 to 2023.
Story: Avani Kulshreshtha
Edit: Nitya Kaimal
Since 2018, Central universities have lost 9,642 students, IITs saw a drop of 3,542 , and IIMs had 442 dropouts. Breaking it down further, central universities lost 4,596 OBC students, 2,424 SC students, and 2,622 ST students.
Financial issues, social bias, and difficult coursework cause many SC, ST, and OBC students to drop out of these reputed institutes. Even after scholarship aid and lower fees, many students from these social groups cannot pay for the ever-increasing living costs of cities. Scholarships and social funds often don’t cover all expenses, forcing students to quit their studies.
Also read: Scheduled Caste student commits suicide after facing discrimination
Casteism is still common in Indian society and schools. Caste-based abuse and a lack of inclusion make life hard for students from marginalized groups. Incidents of caste-based abuse and a lack of inclusivity create a hostile environment for students from marginalized backgrounds. The tragic cases of Rohith Vemula and Darshan Solanki, both Dalit students who faced severe discrimination leading to their untimely deaths, underscore this harsh reality.
Students from marginalised communities often come from underprivileged backgrounds with limited access to quality primary and secondary education. They also face language barriers and inadequate support systems exacerbate the problem. Some institutes offer extra classes, but these often are not enough to bridge the learning gap. The atmosphere in these schools can feel unwelcoming. Students don’t get the peer support and mentorship they need to stay in school. The government and schools have taken steps to address these issues. The Ministry of Education now offers more scholarships and lower fees. It has also set up committees to handle complaints such as SC/ST student cells equal opportunity cells, and liaison officers. These aim to create a better environment for students from disadvantaged groups.
Also read: IIT-Delhi Dalit Student Anil kumar Suicide Sparks Outrage
The high number of SC, ST, and OBC students dropping out of India’s best schools reflects the need for a more inclusive and supportive educational framework. To ensure students from disadvantaged groups can finish school and reach their full potential, we must address financial constraints, combat social discrimination, and provide robust academic support. These deep-rooted issues can only be solved if the government and institutes work together, paving the way for a more equitable educational landscape in India.
*दलित टाइम्स उन करोड़ो लोगो की आवाज़ है जिन्हें हाशिए पर रखा गया है। *
महिला, दलित और आदिवासियों के मुद्दों पर केंद्रित पत्रकारिता करने और मुख्यधारा की मीडिया में इनका प्रतिनिधित्व करने के लिए हमें आर्थिक सहयोग करें।
