Abstract :
Education among the scheduled caste (SC) community varies from one sub-caste to another across
India primarily due to their distinct social and cultural identity, values and practice of untouchability
among themselves. In the state of West Bengal, the scheduled caste communities apart from literacy
recorded a substantial variation in the attainment of educational level. Thus, the present study examines
the nature and pattern of educational attainment of the selected 8 SC communities in the 5 selected
villages of Dhupguri CD Block of Jalpaiguri district also highlight the types of streams and courses
taken up by them for higher education. Intensive field survey has been done with household
enumeration, personal interviews and focus group discussions (FGD). The study shows that there has
been a considerable variation in both educational attainment and choice of the streams in higher
education within the various sub-castes of the SC population. The Dhobas, Namasudras, and Jalia
Kaibarttas, are better placed in this regard than the Lohars, JhaloMalos, Kamis and Rajbanshis in the
study area. The latter group usually takes up general degree courses in higher education which is less
expensive and less competitive. Enrolment in the market or job-friendly streams and courses is
comparatively high among the Dhobas, Jalia Kaibarttas, and Chamars on account of their relatively
higher income and awareness.
Keyword :
Scheduled Caste Education Courses Disparity Inequalities