Bridging Educational Gaps: A Contextual Study of Transition and Retention Challenges among Tribal Students in Palghar District, Maharashtra

The present research aims to explore and understand the issues of transition and retention of tribal students in Palghar District, a region that has a high density of ST population and is characterized by poor socio-economic conditions. In spite of initiatives like SSA and RTE, issues of discontinuation and low rates of transition are still a problem. It is hoped that through this research, a critical analysis of factors that influence educational discontinuation will be made and suggestions will be put forth that are context-specific. The research design for the study is exploratory and descriptive in nature, using a mixed approach. The primary data was collected through interviews/surveys of 58 students, 58 parents, and 37 community members, whereas secondary data was obtained through UDISE+ reports and government publications. The research revealed that the dropout rate is rising in the range of 5-7% in primary education, 10-12% in upper primary education, 18-20% in secondary education, and above 20% in ST students. Similarly, the transition rate is declining in the range of 85-90% in primary to upper primary education, 60-65% in secondary to higher secondary education, and 40-45% in higher secondary to degree education. The most significant factors affecting the dropout rate are poverty (25%), seasonal migration/labour (20%), lack of access to schools (15%), etc. Moreover, the research concluded that the dropout rate varies significantly across educational levels using the Chi-square test, as χ² = 9.72. In the end, the research concluded that it is essential to develop specific interventions for the education sector to address the gaps in the education system for tribal students.