Challenges faced by marginalized students

Source: The post challenges faced by marginalized students has been created, based on the article “Marginalised by caste, marginalised in education” published in “The Hindu” on 28th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

Context: The article discusses the struggles of marginalized students, especially Dalits, in accessing higher education due to rising fees, systemic caste-based discrimination, and financial constraints. It highlights dropout rates, suicides, and the need for systemic reforms in education and employment.

What are the challenges faced by marginalized students?

1. Financial Barriers: Marginalized students struggle with high educational costs. For instance, Atul Kumar, a student from a low-income background, lost his IIT seat due to an inability to pay the ₹17,500 seat booking fee.
2. Rising Tuition Fees: Fees at institutions like IITs and IIMs have increased significantly, exacerbating financial challenges for students from marginalized communities. IIT tuition fees rose by 200% in 2016, from ₹90,000 to ₹3 lakh per annum.
3. High Dropout Rates: Many students are forced to abandon their education due to rising costs. Between 2017 and 2018, 2,461 students dropped out of IITs alone. Over five years, more than 13,500 SC, ST, and OBC students dropped out from central universities and IIMs.
4. Caste-Based Discrimination: Dalit students often face social and academic exclusion due to caste biases. Notably, 92% of urban septic tank workers belong to marginalized communities, reflecting ongoing caste-based job segregation.
5. Mental Health Challenges: The pressure of financial and social discrimination leads to severe mental health issues. Over the past seven years, 122 students from IITs and IIMs committed suicide, with many attributed to financial and academic stress.
6. Employment Challenges: After graduation, marginalized students encounter difficulties in securing employment. An RTI in 2024 revealed that 38% of students across 23 IIT campuses were unplaced.

For detailed information on Impacts of financial strain on educational read this article here

What reforms are needed?

1. Need for systemic reforms to address financial constraints, fee hikes, and caste-based discrimination.
2. It emphasizes the need for inclusive environments and targeted support for marginalized students in education and employment.

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges faced by marginalized students in accessing higher education and the reforms needed to address these issues.