Abstract

As per 2001 census data, only 0.6 percent of Varli students in higher education compared to other tribes in Maharashtra. This paper, a product of a research study, explores the role of the socio-economic background of Varli tribe students in determining access to higher education at Palghar and Talasari block of Palghar district. It also explores various state support system for Varli tribe students in higher educational studies and the role of state support system, Family support, social support system, Education support system and constraints of effective implementation of services.

A. Situating Education in the Context of Varli Tribe

The newly formed Palghar district of Maharashtra is known as a Tribal district and it is not very far from Mumbai. However, there is no awareness regarding Higher education among the tribe’s community like in Mumbai City. It is also through self-experience that in Palghar district, one observes that there is a lack of sufficient Higher Education Institutions which results in less choice for the students to go or even opt for higher educations among Varli community as well as other inter tribe community. Most of the students are unable to get access to higher education firstly, because of their geographical setting living on the hilly side. Secondly, their lack of knowledge and information on professional higher education and the poor economic condition which limit their educational options within the available courses and colleges in Palghar district. Due to this restriction and limitations, there is a lack of good quality higher education and the sense of moving forward.

In Maharashtra there is only 8.9% STs Population succeed to take admission in Higher Education which were compared to other categories in Maharashtra is very law. In that the populations of STs male and female categories are 11.3 and 6.5 percent respectively in higher education. (ASHE, 2015 Report). The study of Education at Glance 2014-15 indicates that Gross Enrollment Ratio of higher education level of Adivasi students is 13.7 % which is much lower than the Gross Enrollment Ratio of HSC i.e. 38.8 % of Adivasi students. (Educational statistics, 2016)

1. 1. History and Culture

Anthropologists and social scientists have written extensively on Varli art forms like paintings and dances. These have made known the community not only in India but also abroad. According to Maharashtra State Gazetteer The word Varli means an up lander as they cultivate patches of land in the hilly region considering the fact, they make land fit for cultivation by spreading brushwood or Varal on it and burning it. Historian’s opinion that Jawhar taluka of Palghar district was under the rule of Varli tribe and presently they being placed in some of the parts of western zone of Maharashtra and Gujarat.

The Varli’s are an aboriginal tribe living in the northeastern part of the Thane district including the Jawhar and Talasari Block of Palghar district, the Portuguese territory of Daman, Dharampur and Bansda state in the Surat Agency and in the western part of the Nashik districts, especially on the eastern slopes of the Sahyadri (Save, 1945: 1). Sometimes the Bhill’s of Khandesh are also known as Varlis (Kennedy 1908: 37). They are one of the tribal communities in India, recognized as Schedule Tribe (S.T.) by the Indian Constitution; and one of the 45 tribes in Maharashtra. They are spread in some districts of Maharashtra but concentrated in Konkan region of the state. The Varli Tribe divided into four subgroups which are Murde, Davar, Nihire, and Shuddha. Further gets fragmented into territorial sub-group, clans, and kulas and having several norms for marriages, prohibiting marriages among varied subdivision through divorce and widow re-marriage are customary. Though most of the Varlis was landholding one but in the course of time clutched in the hand of debt and losing their land have compelled them into being domestic labor and wage and other forms of labor like that in charcoal kiln although a substantial proportion of the population was stable undertaking cultivation of crops like paddy, Ragi, Nachni etcetera. The main food of the Varlis include rice, Bhakri, black gram, curry and many non-vegetarian items except beef but the special dish that they prepare on special occasions is Pangya. Varlis have preserved their culture via folk songs and tales which talks about various important events in human life like marriages and birth. Paintings and Dhumsa, Gauri, Kamdu, Tarpa and Dhol dance that flaunt their tradition (Subramanian, 2012). These are not merely art forms but history and culture treasured generation after generation.

Among the Scheduled Tribes in Maharashtra Varlis rank fourth in respect of their population. The Varli customs and traditions are weaved around nature with farming as the major activity. They show immense respect for nature and wildlife. According to the Varli tradition and belief system, during the sowing season, God of rains ‘Narandev’ is worshiped followed by prayers to ‘Himaidevi’ and ‘Hirva’, as the domestic and minor Gods. Some other deities who are also worshipped during different seasons and festivals are ‘Savri’, ‘Vaghoba’, and ‘Kansari’. Marriages are joyous occasions with the entire village giving a helping hand to the families that are about to bind in this auspicious union. There has been a gradual increase in the population of Varlis in the Bombay presidency since the first census in 1872. But there has been a decrease in population as well due to the severe epidemic of influenza which happened in 1918. (Save, 1945: 2)

B. Higher Education and Varli Tribe

Maharashtra has the convention of supported engagement with the procedure of social changes and the strengthening of individuals through making more extensive access to education. There are a few cases where new activities that rose in Maharashtra were later on received in the nation all in all. Education is the key concept to achieving the social, political and cultural change in an individual as well as in the social whole. The Higher Education in Maharashtra needs considerable changes regarding the administration, scholarly greatness, employability of students going out, meeting financial formative needs, independence, responsibility, and so on. (Kakodkar, 2011).

The educational status among the tribal community in Maharashtra is very low just because of school dropout rates is higher and early marriages are the major issue. In Maharashtra very few Varli women/men have got admission in higher education because there are so many problems like early marriage, poor financial condition, language, shyness, not proper communication and lack of guidance, lack of awareness about higher education and patriarchy among the Varli community. According to Singh K, The literacy rate of Varli tribe is very law in Maharashtra is about 8% of population educated and among the Varli tribe some of the people are medical graduates, Advocates, and Engineers but they belong to other talukas of Maharashtra. The fundamental source of wage for the varli’s is through agribusiness, aside from that, they gain their business doing odd employments, working in factories, taking up fishery, working in the sand mines and stone mines etc. The level of relocation among Varli is very high.

Agribusiness is still the fundamental wellspring of vocation for the Varlis (Shelke, 2010). Some of the Varlis are migrated from their native place for jobs and working with their wife and family members at Brick factories, construction sites in that working number of youths are very huge it was impacted on their educational background because some of them are college going students. They have left their college and work for wages. Some of the Varli students worked in two months in college vacation i.e. (April, May) and for their college fees and other expenses after that they have joined the college in Month of June. According to the 2001 census the data was given of tribal population in Maharashtra 87.3 % is located in rural areas. Among the major STs population in Maharashtra the Varli tribe with 92. 7 % lived in rural areas. Which indicates the present needs of this tribe for education to make changes in their society and developed themselves through higher education.

Demographic Profile of Participants

The socio-demographic profiles of the Varlis give us better understanding of their experiences in higher education. In this section I discussed about background of the participants including their economic background, geographical background, social background and educational background I collected primary data from Varli students in Higher Education. Most of the Varli students from interior part of the Palghar district are depending on few colleges for higher education. Here I focused on two graduation institution in Palghar district where Varli students were engaged for Higher Education. One is SDSM college which located in semi urban area and another GSP college which is located in Rural area of the district. Participants are from 4 different courses like BA. B.Com. B.sc and BAF from two colleges.

Socio economic Status of Participants

It seems to focus on the educational background of parents as well as family’s monthly income. It also tries to understand occupational background of Participants. The analysis presented correlation between family status and experiences in Higher education of Varli tribe students.

1. 2. Educational Status of Parents

The education of parents always plays a vital role to shaping their children’s minds towards importance of education and encouraging them for study to secure their future. In our society normally, it is expected that educated parents will create proper educational paths of their children and give them proper educational guidance as well. Education is also known as mirror of our social status especially higher education. The parents of Varli students normally found uneducated because of various reasons. In this research it was found that maximum parents of Varli students are illiterate. And very few parents have cross the primary education and there is found very small number of parents who have been studied in SSC and HSC. When we see the background of fathers education it is very important to know that educational background of mother. Mothers are mainly found illiterate. Also is clearly discribed that, the student’s parents are not capable to orient them about Higher Education. The numbers of participants are very limited for research study but still it shows the backwardness of education in among Varli students. Today most of the Varli students are first generation in Higher Education.

Parents Occupation

The Varlis are mainly known for their world-famous art is ‘Varli chitrakala’. Some are still engaged with their traditional art and using this art as partly earning sources. Despite, some Varli do not have any kind of traditional art background some or the other way they lost this art in the movement of ‘Assimilation of tribe’ and ‘sanskritization’ of tribe. Palghar district have large area of hilly range and forest covered area. Most of Varli population are living in this region and cultivating that land from generation to generation. Varli’s are cultivating their farm in the rainy season that would be for four months only. Around 80 % of parents were engaged in farming with forest lands.

Work and Wage Labor

Palghar district have large populace of Varli tribe. This tribe is residing in remote area and almost in inaccessible villages. In Spite of rich history of culture, art and tradition, the Varlis are today either landless labor or small cultivators or working as low paid laborer in Gujaratis or Parses orchards, brick kilns or construction sites earning a wage of rupees minimum for male is 300 and for female is 250 a day the daily wage is changing with work and always depends on the type of work. The major livelihood option of the community are land and forest. Many Varlis migrate for several months of the year to nearby places. They do not have money for rent so, many of them stay at open space or government land with whole family. It can be predicting that the entire Varli population is below the poverty line. The Varlis are very good in prediction of nature. For any own work they exchange labor among themselves. The history is very clear about the exploitation of tribes in terms of their land and their identity. For money Varlis are depending on landlords and moneylenders. The money is not paid back in cash but through labor (Singh 2004). At rural part of Palghar district the options for livelihood are very limited. For these they have to depend on outer livelihood opportunities. It creates ways for migration of Varli tribe families. Most of the time the income is not enough for surviving with large number of family members. In each family children plays very important role to contributing their family by participating in their family occupation and doing some part time work at other areas.

While the key interview with Professor Kudu from Dandekar college, Palghar shared that,

“Palghar district has 50% tribal population and, in that population, Varlis are more in numbers. The financial background of this tribe is very poor. Most of them are first in their family who reach in higher education. Their parents are working as labor and most of the student’s parents are illiterate so they can’t afford expensive higher education for them. The amount of scholarship is also not enough, which is not helpful for Varli students to sustain in higher education. The attendance in the classroom is low because some students are work as part time labor to support their family which directly affect to their academic performance. Most of the students left the education in between second or third half of academic years because of financial difficulties. So, I think financial aspect of these Varli students is very crucial”.

Educational Status of Participants

The Varli students are mostly identified in rural areas so it becomes very important to know where the student completed their primary, secondary and higher secondary education. This helps me to understand the educational background of the participant. The challenges of accessing the education at different background vary from tribal area to rural, urban areas. These kind of educational backgrounds are responsible for any individual’s educational achievements. Education background contains the location of the schooling and medium of schooling as these factors become very significant to forming the experiences of respondents.

It seems that each of the respondent have rural background of education for higher studies they have to go in the city or urban areas. There were some students who did their primary schooling Ashram school which is located nearer to their village. Most of the HSC students did their education in colleges located to rural area in Palghar, Dahanu and Talasari.

1. 3. Medium of Education

Medium of Education

 

Education	Marathi	English	Total
Primary	34	–	34
SSC	33	1	34
HSC	23	11	34

 

The above table shows that all of the respondents (34) have completed their primary education from vernacular medium (Marathi), while only 1 respondent completed his SSC in English medium as shown in the table. In HSC we can see 11 respondent says they completed their HSC in English because of after if student choose Science or Commerce the medium of language is become automatically English. So, if student chose the Science stream then they don’t have options for medium in HSC.

1. 4. Stay in Hostel

Hostels and residential schools are the best source for Varli tribe students in village for education. ITDP (Integrated tribal Development Project) hostels provide accommodation and other educational needs of the students. But now this ITDP hostels are very few in district so the competition is also high. It given on the merit basis not given on financial background. Two – three components checked by the ITDP authority during hostel provide to the students.

2. C. Access to Higher Education – Trends, Scope and CHALLENGES

   1. First Generation Students in Higher Education

The policies for education of Adivasis came into force after independence of the country but till now implementation of such kind of schemes and policies for rural and Adivasi people has not shown up. Even today there are lots of Varli tribe students who are first generation in higher education. Till now, most of the research and studies are discussing about tribal illiteracy rate, Adivasi in formal education, challenges in primary education and lack of government support for education. But there is absence of issues of Varli students in Higher education. Gradually, gross enrollment rate of Adivasi students is increasing but comparatively the enrollment rate of Varli tribe in higher education is very low. An inequality in enrollment ratio refers to inequalities in access to higher education (Tilak, 2015). Experiences and processes of Varli tribe students are definitely different from other tribes and other social groups because of socio-demographic and cultural factors, different economy structure of Varli tribe but after assimilating it now adapting modern economy, lack of resources and availability of institutions, government policies and processes. The schooling of this tribe is somehow combining from primary to SSC because of school structure. The quality of education in government schools and residential schools are debatable in modern neoliberal society. Higher education become an very important for deciding professional career of any student. While choosing the course for higher education it very important but this situation makes Varli students vulnerable in today’s competitive Higher Education.

While interacting with student, Ashok student of Arts, regarding first generational in Higher Education he explained.

“I am coming from very remote area of Talasari block. I did my SSC education in Ashram schools where I was studied almost 6 years. I did my HSC in town residing in government hostel. Till now from my family I am the only person who educated and reach to higher education. After completing my HSC there were no one who guide me what to choose for higher studies. I randomly choose ARTs stream for study. I was dependent on school teacher because do not have any support class. I am totally unaware about other professional courses.”

The other respondent with Ashok had same experiences about college and higher studies. Going college is still an achievement for Varli tribe students. In Palghar the non Adivasi population is positively taken benefit in Higher education compared to Varli students. Orientation is the major problem of Varli tribe students in Higher Education.

Though, there was most of the students are not having proper orientation, Milind student of Commerce shared that “I have guided by my non-Adivasi friend and my school teacher to opt for Commerce in English. It can help to get the job in any government sector or non-government sector.” The first-generation student in Varli tribe are most probably lacking the information and orientation of further higher education.

1. 2. Orientation issues of students

Majority of Varli students are dependent on Ashram schools and government hostels for their primary and secondary schooling. Some Varli students are staying so far from Ashram schools, they are struggling to access primary and secondary schools from their locality.

Besides, locality Varli students are facing problems like language issues, teaching method of teacher, lack of infrastructure, unfamiliar contents of syllabus in curriculum, lack of facilities and infrastructure, Cultural differentiation.

Out of 34 respondent 26 respondent were oriented by their parents and family members towards higher education. There were only 6 students were oriented by their own self towards higher studies. There were no one who guided by their friends for higher education. Only one student I found who guided by his teacher. It indicates that most of the students are dependent on their parents and their own self to deciding their educational path.

In today’s context many students in urban setting get special guidance from their friends and parents as well as their teacher about professional education. This kind of practices help students to choose different streams and fields for higher studies of occupations. The parents of this students are also well educated to direct them towards higher education because of this students are able to take their own decisions regarding their future career aspiration.

I found that most of the Varli students are first generation to pursue higher education not only in their family but also in their hamlets. The parents of these students are either illiterate or got only primary education therefore they pushing their children to take education but not able to give them proper direction towards higher education. Also, students are facing difficulties to take decisions of their higher educational aspiration. Like these many factors affected on gross enrollment ratio of Varli tribe students in higher education. Not having proper guidance for higher education is resulting in to unfruitful education to many Varli students.

Poonam the student of B.A said

“Now I am in final year of degree. I did my schooling from my village in Marathi language. I got 78% marks in SSC and 65% in HSC. After SSC I want to take admission in Sciences stream but because of language barrier I was unable to choose correct stream for my future. My parents are illiterate and I am the first-generation learner in my family. Generally, in my community girls are not studying. I reach till graduation is like achievement for my family but after taking admission in BA now I am realizing that the job market needs something different that’s why I am thinking now I took wrong decision.”

From the above narration of respondent, it is clear that lack of educational and career guidance directly impacted on Varli tribe students. Girls are facing many problems compared to boys in terms of Job and higher education. They are not getting positive outcome from higher education. This leads to emerging negative beliefs among Varli students regarding perception of higher education.

1. 3. Career Aspiration Students

As we seen in our country many students choose the higher education reference to their future career. So, the educational aspirations are normally linked with career aspirations. Nowadays, we see that government sectors are opening very limited job opportunities. Generally, this sector is shrinking with liberalization of market. We can see the private sectors now acquiring all the space and government sector welfarism is decreasing. I create a simple category of jobs to get response from respondents. In private jobs which includes all types of private jobs and in government jobs which includes any administrative post in government sector. Any job is category for those students who don’t know in which field they want to do their career.

Career Aspiration of Varli tribe students

The above chart shows that most of the participant 64.7% were interesting in government jobs for their future career. Only 5.9% students are interested in private job and 14.7% students wants to open their self-business. 14.7% students do not know in which field they want to do their career. While interacting and observing to the respondent I tried to find out respondent’s perception regarding government job as favorite.

Most of the respondent were interested in government job because they are thinking it will give financial security and also it is permanent job and not like private job. This kind of half knowledge they have in their minds. Every day they come into interaction with different officials and teachers only. I found unawareness among participant while asked them questions regarding government jobs and competitive exams and its recruitment processes.

Regarding self-business option one of the participant Prashant, doing his graduation in bachelor in Finance and Accounting. He shared,

“I have land and financial support from my family. I am planning to set up joint business with my elder brother. In my village he started glossary shop along with him I will do something which help our family to create finance and increase economy.”

Though he opted for self-business, it proves that proper orientation is needed to Varli students for career.

1. 4. Financial difficulties of Students

Most of the population of Varli community doing labour work and their income is very low they come under low economic background. Above in this research already we discussed about the family income of the respondent. The expenses on higher education and other expenses related with education would directly impact on whole financial equation of the respondent. It is very important to understand different financial needs of Varli tribe students while accessing the Higher Education.

1. 1. 1. Inadequate Financial Sources

I considered the four types of financial support which includes parents, relatives, scholarship and part time job. Regarding scholarships participant responded for getting this scholarship you have to bear lots of patience because the scholarship comes next year in account which is not useful when we need money. Tribal department provide scholarships as per courses choose by the students. All courses have different fees. Also, the tribal development department provide 500 rupees per month for hostel resident. The objective of providing money is for support basic expenses in day to day life of the student. For hostel students are getting stationery allowance of 3000 Rs per year and Day Scholar students are getting 3000 Rs plus exam fees and in science stream students are getting different amount as per their subject’s fees. But for getting all this they have follow administrative procedure which include online forms take sign from hostel warden and college principal.

Difficulties to Avail Scholarships

Most of the respondent shared the issues and challenges while availing the scholarships. Mostly students are facing problem because of requirement of document which include caste certificate and Validity. Generally, students are failing to providing these two documents. Post Matric scholarship includes fees for registration, tuition, sports, library, medical examination and magazine and such other fees including non-refundable fee which student have to pay to the college or university¹.

The researcher comes from the same background. I personally experience that the administration is not interested to help the students who are lacking behind and not aware about online procedure of the scholarship form. As per my observation and narration from ground reality many students were unable to submit the form. Many times, the notice given to students very late. If student get late to submitting the form then the administration replays to call the ‘Prant office’ department and several time calling this department and administration not replaying that student will get frustrated and they left the scholarship.

Period of Scholarship Payment

 

Sr.no	When do you received in	Frequency
1	End of the year	30
2	Difficulty for Scholarship	4
	Total	34

 

As per the above table most of the students 30 received scholarship amount at the end of the year which means in next academic year. Some respondent shared their views regarding difficulties they have facing while getting scholarship at next year. Most of the students need money for admissions at beginning of the year but the amount of scholarship transfer in their account in month of July or most probably the procedure is working very slow and students are not getting scholarship on right time. It is increasingly influence on their access to right to higher education. On the issue of delay in scholarship one of the students shared his views as follows

“The whole process of the scholarship is online and the notification come in the month of December which is very late from starting the college. Some students are not able to fill the form because of online process. Also, we have to give cyber charges for filling the forms at cyber cafe. If some students delaying for filling the forms then the authorities postpone the date and then process is going on and end at the month of March so we get scholarship in the month of July”

This kind of problems students are facing for college fees and scholarship. Their access to higher education comes more difficult without scholarships. On the basis of scholarships, the students are surviving in higher education.

1. 1. 1. 1. Insufficient Scholarship

According to guidelines of post matric and matric scholarships Varli students are getting scholarship in relation with their course. Some participants said that, the educational expenses in higher education are now increasing day by day,

Jyoti the student of B.com said,

“I am belonging to very poor family and I have loss my father at early stage of my life, the whole responsibility of household expenses is now bearing by my mother only. In today’s context the inflation is growing so the expenses related to education is getting very high for us. Government Scholarship is not adequate in today’s context.”

In neoliberal context the privatization of education also plays the vital role for not allowing marginal students in the study environment. Prof. Tilak also argues that the privatization of Higher Education is excluding the marginalized section of the society. This words of prof. Tilak is directly link to the financial inequalities moves towards exclusion of Varli students from higher education.

Role of ITDP Hostels

There are total 26 ITDP (Integrated Tribal Development Projects) hostels for both girls and boys in Palghar District. The length of hostel is different in all the hostel despite is fact that students are not getting accommodation facilities in the hostel. The list always carries with merit basis if some students wants to study in town and hostel facilities will not give to them then it will very difficult for them to take education at town. I found that from 34 respondent 8 respondent staying in government hostels because of various reasons. Some respondent also shared that they want to stay in hostel but the vacancy is already full and they not allowing only because of merit based list.

Balkrishna is student of Arts and studying in his first year of graduation, he shared his experiences related to hostel.

“I did my schooling from Ashram school because where I am living there were not available any primary school. we have to travel 25 Km to reach on main road which is connected with the city. At those days it was very difficult to travel because of transportation facility is not available in my village. For my HSC education I took admission at Palghar district college and also, I applied for hostel here only. After that in my first year also I tried to get hostel but because of low performance in academics they not allowed me. Here in Palghar I don’t have my relatives and also the Private hostel I can’t afford. So, I attended college in a week only two or three days. After six month I got hostel after requesting to my principal and my college teacher”.

From this we can analyzed, till today the issue of accommodation is not solved. Government is failing to provide adequate support system to get into higher education. The government are using Varli art as preserving the culture and tradition of Varli tribe but neglecting the issue of education and infrastructure for availability for Varli tribe students. Till today Varli tribe have to struggle for accommodation in competitive higher education. During field fieldwork I found that Varli students are living in very remote area, where the first Bus facility available in the morning and at the evening once if you missed the bus then you do not get any transportation apart from private vehicle. Student are choosing any courses for studying which will available easily and not expensive. The respondents are very poor from their background they can’t afford transportation charges.

1. 5. Experiences Related to Discriminatory Practices at College Campus

I found that many of the students have facing lots of discrimination practices while engaging in the higher education. The discrimination could be in terms of caste, gender, ethnicity, race or any other. Especially at urban or town area Adivasi students are facing discrimination just because of their Adivasi Identity, Cultural practices, Language, Body Language, Shyness to interact with others and their attire. It was observed that Varli students are facing discrimination in terms of Humiliation due to ‘Adivasiness’ and negligence by others. Generally, this kind of discrimination affected to student’s academic process. I found that mostly students were address they are very scared in college environment because the non-teaching staff also doing same thing with them. And they were not allowing to talk on this discrimination. Teachers who are teaching them they are also not belongs to tribe background.

1. 1. 1. Humiliation Due to “Adivasiness”

Some of the respondent shared that ‘Adivasi’ word used and portrayed as despise word in the society. In our society people (Not belonging to Adivasi community) are thinking the word Adivasi means something bad or not pure but generally the word Adivasi is connected to their Identity. It was very humiliating word for participant when they go through this kind of incidents.

Researcher found that the Varli students have faced lots of indifference experiences in college. Usually, the Varli students have face discrimination due to their Identity, which includes their language, Physical differences, cultural practice and shyness to interact with their friends and teachers. It was observed that Varli students faced discrimination in terms of Humiliation due to their ‘Adivasiness’. The Varli students are very good in Sports and Art but they are denying and negligence by others. The researcher found that discriminatory practices have impacted on Varli student’s academics.

One of the Varli student shared his experience.

“We faced discriminatory behavior at each and every path of learning. In college the discriminatory patterns now changing. In the classroom when teacher wanted tell us anything and students are does not get anything or do not understand the teaching then teachers were sarcastically said that (Tumhi kay adivasiaahet kay tumhala kahi samjat nahi) means why are you not getting anything don’t behave like Adivasi. They were stigmatizing us to given an example of ours to the other students. Even the college non-teaching staff also behaving with us same. We were situated in college to not speak out.”

Some students are shared other stories, their friends who are not belonging to the Varli community they always pass comment on them after telling them to stop this kind of humiliation they never stop it after some time respondent started to ignore them.

1. 1. 2. Experiences of Negligence by other

I found that, some students feel neglected as per they sharing their experiences. Some students in their class who are not belonging the Adivasi identity they were not admiring presences of Adivasi students in the class. Students are facing different type of discriminations in their daily life. One of the students giving other aspect of discrimination.

“In our hostel and college, we are living with people who are coming from different caste background, tribes and different Ideologies. We share our rooms and toilet and some other things with them but the other students are not sharing anything with us. when we celebrating our traditional culture or some peoples birth dates like Birsa Munda Jaynti or Dr Ambedkar jaynti in the hostel premises then we found only ST and SC students were came forward to celebrate it.”

As seen from tribal people reality, experience of Varli tribe in Maharashtra: Ethnicity, caste, gender and this further compounded by geographical isolation, cultural difference, and development marginalization. If seen from a Dalit context, the prominent aspect that determines accessibility is caste. This kind of discriminations faced by Varli student’s not only at college premises but also at Hostel premises.

1. 1. 3. Effect on academic Process and learning

The Varli tribe students are coming from marginalized and economically weaker section of the society, if discriminatory practices are happening with them in the campus it would be effect on their study. This effect was not identified directly but it has influence on their study from different ways. I found that some time students are not ready to discussed about discriminatory practices in the campus because of many reasons. Some respondent said that they used negligence mode to solve this problem. It has observed that some students are very frustrated from this kind of issues and they don’t want to take further education.

I do not find any single student who told me they knew the rights and Acts against discriminatory practices happen with them. They give first priority to their education rather wasting their time in confrontation. Varli students in higher education very less in number, they have to focus on their higher education.

1. 6. Academic Challenges of Students

Academic success and achievement are very important in higher education in any individual’s life because it is strongly linked to positive outcomes of value. Individuals who are well organized, did well in the school they continued their higher education and further in career in proper plan manner. Most of the Varli students are come from remote area of the district. College environment, language, low confidence to tackle the exam towards higher education are the responsible factors to effect on their academic achievements.

1. 1. 1. English Language Barrier

The Varlis are found the border of the Gujarat and Maharashtra state of India. The speaks the mixture of the Marathi and Gujarati languages and they called this language as Varli dialect. They do not have any script to define their language. From primary to the higher education they study in Marathi medium school either Gujarati medium school. Initial phase they face lots of problems to adopt the new language and at the higher education English language became the barrier for them. Varli tribe students who cannot speak pure Marathi in the language are also suffering from English and Hindi colloquial languages Students cannot afford any professional course which is in English because of language barrier. Most of the students are taking admissions in the Arts stream only. Till the graduation some students even don’t know how to read or write in English. Some students are facing problems in talking Marathi as well. While writing papers they mixed some words from their own language. So, the students facing problems to discussing their doubts with their teachers. But it is unlikely see that no one taking care of this issue. The quality of basic English in government schools is comparatively very weak. English was one of the languages from school days affecting on their academic so the students are thinking they were unable to survive in English medium education which resulted into low confidence on English language.

“I did my school in Marathi language and at home we communicate in Varli language. After got good marks in SSC I choose commerce stream for my further education. But the subjects in commerce all in English thus I faced problems to understanding the subjects and instruction given by the teachers. The students studying with me they mostly came from English medium schools and from upper caste family and they have educated family background. Just because of English language my marks got decreased after HSC”.

Sachin student of B.com also shared his views on Language

“At our native place we were interacting with each other in our own language even in our previous education institution we have 80% students from our tribal community so it is becoming an easy to survive in academics but here in town it is very difficult to interact with the people and go through the syllabus easily”

Language is the foundation to developed someone’s ability to learn. In data collection process it was observe that students do not have clarity on their medium of education. 76.5 % students said their mother tongue is Varli and 23.5% students said Marathi is their mother tongue. Generally, in answer it was found that in college students are using mixed of languages for interaction with friends and teachers. Generally, students are not allowed to speak in their own language. Around 90% students have Marathi medium background of education. 82.4% students said they have facing problems with English language. 88.2 % students said not having proper English will affect to their higher education 38.2 % students have facing difficulty to follow their teacher. Sometime subjects are very hard, sometime medium of language is not understandable. 67.6 Students often approach to their teacher to solving their academic problems.

Influence of English on Educational Achievement

The above chart shows that 28 participants were accepted that not having proper English might affected their educational achievement. The respondents shared that because of English language most of them not taking admissions in Sciences stream. Now English is becoming important language for professionals so without English language we cannot survive in competitive world.

Confidence to Approach Teacher

Most of the students (24) were shared that they were not approach to their teacher for any kind of academic help. Some students were shared that from school time they scared of teacher and do not want to go to teacher for any help. Ankush shared he never meet his teacher in any time of the class or after the class. He wants to meet but he doesn’t know how to approach to teacher and how teacher will react on his queries and questions. Some respondent shared that the teacher of their subject is very strict in teaching so they have some fear about their teacher. From Ashram school pass out or any village school pass out Varli students get less marks in academic examination which affect to their confidence to reach out teachers for help.

There are some students who had bad experiences in past which restrict them to not asking for help or guidance by teacher from higher education. But overall this kind of process excluding Varli students from Higher education system.

Prof. Shikhare Marathi department, from GSP college Talasari has shared.

“Our college is at remote area of the district with 90 percent of tribal population. In our college nearby 75 percent Varli students are taking education. While teaching from many years and I observed that students are not able to speak in Marathi, then you think these are also taking admission in Sciences and commerce also how they will fight with English language, gradually it leads to minimize their confidence to communicate with teachers also. Their (Varli) basic education is the reason for this. Due to this most of the Varli students are lacking in presentation skills, writing skills which affect to their academic progress. We have language support class at our premises, with the help of some teacher we support student to learn language but students are coming from hostels and far from the college so they leave college early after the final class of the day. It is generally leading to degradation of their confidence.”

The overall analysis of the language issue and presentation skills of the Varli students excluded them from competitive higher education. As per given information from key informants it indicates that Varli student have limited resources to tackle Language barrier issue.

1. 1. 2. Participation in Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are also important to developed professional skills and academic skill of the students. It is also interlinking with further aspirations of the students. College has set up many activities for students in the premises. It includes college fest, NSS activities, academic seminar and sports. I tried to find out what could be the status of Varli tribe students in extracurricular activities in higher education.

There were 25 students responded that they were not interested into participating extracurricular activities like Sports, College fest, Academic conference, Dance etc. 9 students were responded they like sports but not interested to organized any extracurricular activities. Further I tried to look into why students are not interested in extracurricular activities. The respondent shared several reasons for not interested in extracurricular activities like 12 students share that they do not get time for study. 7 students said they are not able to give proper representation. 3 students said we do not like all the activities and 3 students were said because of lack of confidence we were not participated in any activity in the campus.

Shakuntala has shared “I love to play athletics from my school days and I won some medals in distance running. But where now I am studying the atmosphere and academic schedule is very hectic and also, I am staying in Hostel so I can’t manage with time also, because of this I decided to not participate in any sports in college”.

It was observed that, Varli students were negotiating with their hobbies to not participate in any extracurricular activities.

While data collection process I observed that, some students had misunderstanding about government guidelines. They think in government jobs with our ST quota government will recruit us easily. It makes clear that there was unawareness about state support system among Varli students in higher education.

I found that there were lack of awareness about different scholarships and fellowships among Varli students. Most of (18) students were not aware about different scholarships and fellowships which is very helpful for them for higher studies. I tried to probe regarding their future study plan and post matric scholarships but only 18 students are able to respond about scholarship.

1. 1. 3. Caste certificate and Caste Validity certificate

It is very well known that government administrative structure and process is very rigid and complex and dependent on paper work in India. The major proof for defining your identity as Adivasi and belonging to particular tribe in Maharashtra that is caste certificate. For getting any scheme from tribal development department or welfare department Varli student should have to produced caste certificate. For generating Caste certificate Adivasi have to provide some basic documents. As per the rule of the government Varli tribe student have to show proof 1950s document. This document generates by special district officer. Without Caste Certificate it is not possible to avail any benefits from schemes. It is the first criteria of eligibility for government schemes. Caste Certificate is necessary for students who are taking admissions in ST quota. Till today most of the Varli families do not have caste certificate. While collecting data I found that most of the students have caste certificates expect few students do not have this document.

Rupesh has shared

“From my family Only I and my younger sister have caste certificate. In family all people are illiterate and some of them did education till primary only so no one in my family required this kind of document. It very essential document for me because without it not possible for me to take admission in this college. The process for getting this document was very hectic. Providing 1950s proof for this document was very painful for me in those days.”

I personally experience a lot of pain while creating this document. I spend lots of money on government official for getting this document. Because shortage of documents I was not able to get this document in my family I am the first person who reach at higher educational level. So, I do not want to let myself back because of financial issues. At some place government have coordination with schools and colleges to smoothly solve this issue of students but it won’t be happening at other places.

Having Caste Validity Certificate

 

Sr. No	Having Caste Validity Certificate	Frequency
1	Yes	8
2	No	26
	Total	34

 

Along with caste certificate, the Caste validity is very crucial document for any tribe in Maharashtra. For admission in Professional courses like Medical. The Caste Certificate as per government rule have to Validate from Konkan Bhavan of Thane. This was happened because of many non-tribal are enjoying benefits of Adivasi candidate due to their close connection of Caste name with Tribe.

Most of the Varli students do not have caste validity certificate. The caste validity certificate is like very hard procedure for very poor Varli people. I found that 26 respondents were not had Caste Validity Certificate yet. Some of them sharing that it was very time-consuming process and some of them still do not have proper documents to validate their Caste Certificate.

The state support system for Adivasi population is there but Adivasi population should be aware about their rights and functionality of state support system. From above information it observes that students are in Higher education but they are not aware about scholarships and caste certificate procedure. It will take long time to effectively implementation of welfare services.

3. D. Conclusion

In Higher education system there are many loopholes and the tricky process due to which Varli tribe students may encounter by various challenges. Based on the analysis and experiences narrated by the students it is observed that first generation background, Lack of orientation, economic background, geographical location, cultural identity, educational background and less effective implementation of state support system are important factors which affect the experiences of the Varli students in the colleges. Most of the time parents of the respondent are migrating for livelihood in the district and the condition of family is very poor due to this participant admitted that they were not able to attend good schools and educational environment. Varli tribe is generally found at hilly areas of this district. So, some participant also told geographical differences play crucial role to shaping in socialization among other students in the college campus.

It was found that 64 % participant were first generation students in Higher Education. According 2001 census only 0.6% Varli tribe students reaches to Higher Education. Also, according to ASHE 2011-12 report only 4% tribal students were reaches at higher education in Maharashtra. It is less in compare to other categories and in also with other tribes in Maharashtra. It indicates that Varli tribe students in Higher Education is experiencing low opportunities among the other tribes as well. It is further observed that with lack of state support system and affordability Varli students are more vulnerable in competitive educational discourse. The Varli students are living in this context where accessing the higher education is difficult and unequal process for them.

As prof. Tilak mentioned in his writings “The nexus between education and development is strong and deep-rooted. Education contributes to several dimensions of development economic growth, poverty, inequality and social development.” (Tilak 2015) thus only giving entry in higher education which doesn’t mean they will survive in that environment. The mean of providing higher education for marginalized section is also about their continuation and successful completion of higher education along with professional achievement.

It was observed that out of (34) participant, the majority of them (26) were totally dependent on the family to decide their educational paths because there were no one in their family who can guide them also the parents are illiterate. Parents are saying if the children in family will learn they can improve the condition of family. Some respondent said our parents giving us moral support but the crux in education what we want for further i.e. proper orientation for choosing the profession that we were lacking in the Higher Education. As mentioned in this study most of the participant are first generation learners and factors related to low economic background affects them to creating their ways for Higher Education.

After conducting this study, it was observed that the career aspirations of Varli students are connected to their accessibility of higher education and orientation towards higher studies. Also, it was observed that most of the students do not want to study further they want to do job because of financial issues and academic difficulties. Taking admission in higher studies and crossing the boundaries of language difficulties its kind of achievement for first generational Varli tribe students in Higher Education. It was observed that most of the respondent were worried about their career, they were thinking after studying till higher education they will get job or not? They are thinking job means everything for them. After in higher studies they felt that it is lifetime opportunity for them and for their family. They want to achieve this status not for them but also for their community in this so called ‘mainstream’ world.

AS belonging to this community and having myself in higher education I observed that the career aspirations and educational aspirations were linked with each other and it should be. The majority of Varli tribe students (64.7%) were thinking about government jobs but they were not going through any process of government examination and also, they were not aware about any specific government job or service. It was found in this study that Varli students were listened about government jobs and observing around them Police, government teachers from that only they were thing government jobs would be secure their life but they did not have the orientation about the process of all the government jobs to reach out their goals. Adivasi have the reservation quota i.e. 7.5% in government jobs though we were seeing Adivasi population excluded from the competitive recruitment process. Also, another reason respondent was unaware of the initial phase of recruitment process that makes them lose in competitive examination.

Palghar district located at western zone of Maharashtra state which is divided with coastal and mountain area. Varli tribe usually found at hilly areas of the district. The majority of the participant in this study are belonging to interior part of the district. As earlier discussed in above chapters Varli tribe students are facing lack of transportation facilities. Due to this accessing higher education will be difficult for them. It was observed that the number of courses for higher studies at Palghar district are very limited which is again raise a question of availability of educational courses options. So, the students tend moving towards Mumbai or its nearer cities and students have to depends on it. Here, we can see it is restricted Varli students to access the Higher Education because of their socio-economic background.

Poverty It is the inseparable or unavoidable obstacle for students who are living at hilly areas and whose family do not have land. The parents of the Varli tribe students are doing farming or laborer in others orchards. Farming could be taking place only for four months in rainy seasons after that families were migrate from one place to other place for finding any daily wage work. Which would directly affect to the education of the children. The fundamental wellspring of wage for the Varli is through agribusiness, aside from that, they gain their business doing odd employments, working in factories, taking up fishery, working in the sand mines and stone mines etc. The level of relocation is very high. Most of the Varli students are first generations of learner among their siblings. The maximum parents of Varli tribe students are illiterate. Therefore, they do not have any work that sufficient to fulfill the needs of the family. For surviving or for cultivation of the farm they take money from the Moneylenders or Landlords which they sometime failed to repay the cash and for this they work as laborer at landlord’s land or many of them sold their land to the money lenders or give their land on rent to others. It’s another fact that state support system is insufficient to remove the low economic background of Varli students. This altogether became challenges for Varli tribe students to accessing the higher education.

I found that the Varli students have faced lots of indifference experiences in college. Usually, the Varli students have face discrimination due to their Identity, which includes their language, Physical differences, cultural practice and shyness to interact with their friends and teachers. It was observed that Varli students faced discrimination in terms of Humiliation due to their ‘Adivasiness.’ The Varli students are very good in Sports and Art but they are denying and negligence by others. The researcher found that discriminatory practices has impacted on Varli student’s academics. The participant shared that all upper caste students are making difference with them they are thinking the Adivasi students get admission in this premises because of Reservation not on merit based. Few participants shared that some time upper caste teacher and non-teaching staff also neglecting them. For getting out from all this discrimination they usually tried to ignore this issue. The study found that discriminatory factor also impacted on student’s academic achievements. Some students have courage to confront this issue because socialization of the students and their family background. Therefore, students are sometime afraid to take admissions far from their village.

At rural area of the district Varli students are completing their schooling from either Ashram schools or government schools. But the infrastructure and environment of the Ashram schools are very bad. After completing school phase in Ashram school’s students have need Hostels for completing their higher studies. The ITDP hostels are the only source to access the higher education because of financial condition of Varli tribe students but the inadequate supply services and low budget for the hostels it resulting in inequality in accessing higher education for Varli tribe students.

I observed that while filling the government of India scholarship form students are facing difficulties. Government started the online process of the scholarship forms but some students are not aware about computer handling and filling up form at cyber cafe sometime very costly for them. As Varli tribe students are staying at rural area of the district where the accessibility of internet is not possible. We can see that the inadequate support for students from administration of college for filling the form. It was during the study there were not available any SC/ST cell in the college campuses and obvious it is dysfunctional because not any single student who aware about SC/ST cell in the campus.

Documents are the very essential while accessing any government facilities. For availing any benefits from Adivasi quota Varli students have to produce the Caste Certificate and now they have to produce the Caste Validity certificate also. These two documents help Varli tribe students to allow for any benefits from governments. But historically it was found that Varli tribe have land but don’t have any evidence or piece of official paper to prove them Varli tribe. It affects the Varli tribe students in Higher Education and further in any government jobs. It was found that some students responded getting Caste Validity Certificate from the government official is very complex and sometime very difficult procedure because of shortage of documents and distance of government office. The process of providing Caste Validity Certificate by Varli tribe to any official work or in any government process should not be wrong but the process of implementing is denying and excluding the rights of Varli students while acquiring the higher studies.

The study found that most of the students are not able to present themselves in academics. They were lacking confidence to participate in extracurricular activities and the presentation skills. Some students have some bad past experiences which leads to less approach to teachers to get academic help. Most of the Varli students were told that their social background and cultural difference affect their attitude to access the higher education.

It was found that most of the students have Marathi language background because of that adapting English language medium at higher studies was challenging for them. Also, some students were admitted that the schooling background and nature of teaching also one of the reasons they were lacking confidence in English language. I found that not having skill of English language is affecting on their Higher educational performance. This all overall effects on attitude of Varli students towards teacher and also the language barrier influences the achievements further in profession.

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