Editorial#1 Marginalised by Caste, Marginalised in Education
Context
Rising costs in higher education are a significant barrier for Dalit students, compounding systemic inequalities and financial constraints.
Introduction
Atul Kumar, a Scheduled Caste (SC) student and son of a daily wage worker, lost his seat at IIT Dhanbad due to his inability to pay the seat booking fee of ₹17,500. Following widespread social media attention, the Supreme Court exercised its extraordinary powers under Article 142 to secure his admission. While Atul’s case garnered public and judicial intervention, many similar instances go unnoticed, leaving deserving students deprived of educational opportunities.
The Rise in Tuition Fees
Challenges for Dalit Students
The struggles of Dalit students today echo pre-Independence-era barriers, where caste-based discrimination outright denied them education. While overt restrictions have diminished, financial and systemic barriers persist.
Impact of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan
Under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan,” the government has encouraged self-reliance among institutions, leading to significant fee hikes:
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): Undergraduate tuition fees increased by 200% in 2016, from ₹90,000 to ₹3 lakh annually.
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs):
- IIM-Lucknow raised fees by 29.6%.
- IIM-Calcutta, IIM-Ranchi, and others reported fee hikes ranging from 5% to 30%.
- IIT-Delhi: Fees for M.Tech programs doubled from ₹26,450 to ₹53,100 in 2022-23.
Government Response
The Vidyalakshmi scheme, offering interest-free scholarships, was introduced to support marginalised students. However, it remains inadequate given the rising costs.
Impact on Marginalised Communities
Financial Barriers
The rising cost of education prevents many students from marginalised communities from enrolling in premier institutions despite achieving competitive ranks. Those who manage to enroll often face overwhelming financial and psychological burdens. Data from 2021 revealed that 122 students from IITs and IIMs died by suicide over seven years, many due to financial strain and job insecurity.
Dropout Rates
Financial constraints have contributed to high dropout rates among SC, ST, and OBC students:
- Central Universities: 4,596 OBC, 2,424 SC, and 2,622 ST students dropped out.
- IITs: 2,066 OBC, 1,068 SC, and 408 ST students dropped out.
- IIMs: 163 OBC, 188 SC, and 91 ST students dropped out.
Persistent Economic Marginalisation
Caste-based economic disparities persist, with Dalits often relegated to low-paying, menial jobs. This economic vulnerability exacerbates barriers to education and employment.
Disparities in Employment and Education
Underrepresentation in Employment
A survey revealed that 92% of urban sewer and septic tank workers belong to SC, ST, and OBC communities.
Faculty Representation
A 2019 report highlighted stark underrepresentation in IIT faculty:
- 95% of positions were held by upper-caste individuals.
- Several departments at IIT-Bombay lacked SC, ST, or OBC faculty.
Social Barriers
Discrimination and Prejudice
Dalit students face poverty, social discrimination, and caste-based prejudice, often judged by external markers like clothing and language. These biases result in isolation, harassment, and emotional distress.
Tragic Cases
Instances of caste-based harassment leading to student suicides include:
- A postgraduate medical student in Maharashtra.
- Students from IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi.
Conclusion
An RTI filed in 2024 revealed that 38% of IIT graduates remained unplaced. For students from marginalised communities, caste identity compounds their challenges in securing employment. These issues underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms to make education and employment equitable, fostering an inclusive environment free from caste-based discrimination.
