Over 19,000 SC, ST, OBC Students Dropped Out of Central Varsities, IITs, IIMs in 5 Years: Govt to Parliament
The realm of Indian higher education has seen a concerning trend unfold over the past five years. As per recent Lok Sabha disclosures, more than 13,600 students from reserved categories have discontinued their studies across prestigious institutions like central universities, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Let's delve into the insights revealed and the government's measures addressing this issue.
Student Dropout Trends at Central Universities, IITs, and IIMs
Union Minister of State for Education, Subhas Sarkar, highlighted significant statistics in response to queries posed in the Lok Sabha. The data disclosed a staggering withdrawal of students from diverse backgrounds over the past five years:
Central Universities:
- OBC: 4,596 students
- SC: 2,424 students
- ST: 2,622 students
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs):
- OBC: 2,066 students
- SC: 1,068 students
- ST: 408 students
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs):
- OBC: 163 students
- SC: 188 students
- ST: 91 students
These numbers underscore a concerning trend of discontinuation within these premier educational institutions, raising questions about the underlying causes.
Insights into Student Migration and Withdrawal
Minister Sarkar attributed the student migration and withdrawal to various factors prevalent in the higher education sector. He emphasized that students often opt to migrate across institutions or switch courses within the same institute. This movement, he stated, is primarily driven by securing preferred seats in different departments or institutions or owing to personal reasons.
However, the minister highlighted the absence of centralized data on dropout students from National Law Universities (NLUs), as they operate under state legislatures, leading to a lack of comprehensive insights into this segment.
Government Measures Addressing the Issue
Responding to concerns, Minister Sarkar outlined key government initiatives aimed at mitigating student discontinuation:
- Fee Reduction: Initiatives focused on reducing fees to alleviate financial burdens.
- Institute Expansion: Establishing additional institutes to accommodate more students.
- Scholarship Programs: Providing scholarships and ensuring priority access to national-level scholarships.
- Specific SC/ST Schemes: Implementing targeted schemes such as 'waiver of tuition fees in IITs’ and grants of national scholarships under the Central Sector Scheme, among others.
Ensuring Student Welfare: A Collective Endeavor
The disclosed data on student discontinuation in prominent educational institutions brings to light the complexities within the Indian higher education system. It calls for concerted efforts from educational stakeholders, policymakers, and society at large to address underlying issues and ensure equitable opportunities for all students.
The government's proactive steps to reduce financial barriers and provide targeted support to SC/ST students reflect a commitment to fostering an inclusive educational landscape.