Constraints of SC and ST Women Students and their intensity in Pursuing Higher Education

Abstract

Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe population constitutes a quarter of Indian population. Majority of them are isolated and did not participate developmental programmes. They are still under marginalized group and falls below poverty line. Among them women are found to be more affected in terms of all development indicators. In order to mainstream them the Government has taken steps to increase their participation in all developmental programmes including education so as to bring social change and increase their occupational mobility. In spite of these efforts still the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe women are lagging behind in terms of their participation in higher education in comparison with other sections. The reason may be personal problems at home or at college. The present paper is an attempt to identify the Personal Constraints of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe women and the factors acting as barriers for their participation.