A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF POLICIES ON TRIBAL EDUCATION IN THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA AND RAJASTHAN

This research paper presents an in-depth comparative analysis of tribal education policies in Maharashtra and Rajasthan based on primary and Secondary data of Palghar and Dungarpur districts. The study conducts mixed-Method approach, 700 students, 30 teachers, 10 Principal from Government, Private, Ashram and EMRS schools of Primary, Secondary and Higher Secondary and educational officers in Maharashtra and Rajasthan, respectively. Research reveals important inequalities in infrastructure, language issues, economic challenges, policy implementation and gender equity in both the states. Major findings indicate that while Maharashtra reflects the development of infrastructure mixed with better features in some of ERMS and private schools, Rajasthan faces poor infrastructure in most schools. The centralized teacher recruitment in the ERMS in both states struggle with serious language barriers. Thus, due to the inadequate mother tongue instructions, economic conditions leading to child labor and early marriage, and limited policy awareness between stakeholders are major barriers of propagation of tribal education in both states. The study contributes to understanding complex challenges in tribal education and provides evidence-based recommendations for policy improvement.