A study on dropout of tribal students at secondary level in Hooghly district, West Bengal

Abstract

The present study examines dropout issue among tribal students at secondary level in Hooghly District of West Bengal. A qualitative survey method was adopted wherein 8 schools from 2 blocks (randomly) of Hooghly district were selected as sample. School records, questionnaire and interview schedule were used to examine the dropout rate, male-female comparison and factors affecting dropout. The study found that dropout rate has been increased from 2014-15 to 2015-16 among tribal students at secondary level. It is also found that the percentage of boys who had dropped out is more than that of girls among tribal students. A qualitative analysis of interview data revealed that major factors associated with dropout are poor economic condition, lack of conducive learning environment at home, attitude of parents towards schooling, lack of aspiration and attitude of non-tribal students towards tribal students.