Question : LITERACY RATE OF TRIBAL GIRLS

(a) the present literacy rate of tribal women and girls in the country, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether improvement of the literacy rate of tribal girls is essential to enable them to participate effectively and benefit from socio-economic development;

(c) the measures taken to bridge the gap in literacy levels between the general female population and tribal women in the country; and

(d) the steps taken for 100 per cent enrolment of tribal girls and reducing dropouts at the elementary level by creating the required ambience for education?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SMT. RANEE NARAH)

(a): State\UT wise Literacy rate of ST women in the country is given in Annexure.

(b): Yes, Madam.

(c) & (d): To bridge the gap and improve the literacy level of female students belonging to the Scheduled Tribe communities, besides usual reservation for ST students, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing many education- oriented schemes. This Ministry has been implementing a specific scheme for ST girls - ‘Strengthening Education among ST Girls in Low Literacy Districts’ in 54 identified districts where the literacy rate of ST female is less than 35% and ST population is more than 25%. The other schemes of this Ministry which promote education among Scheduled Tribes children are: “Construction of Hostels for ST Girls and Boys”, “Establishment of Ashram Schools in Tribal Sub-Plan Areas”, “Post-Matric Scholarship, Book Bank and Up gradation of Merit”, “National Overseas Scholarship Scheme for Higher Studies Abroad (NOS)” and “Top Class Education for ST Students”.