A Critical Analysis of Issues Related to Education in the Santal Community

This research paper presents a critical analysis of the current educational situation among the Santal community, one of the largest Scheduled Tribes in India.Despite significant strides in primary school enrollment, the community faces persistent challenges, including high dropout rates at higher educational levels, low literacy rates compared to national averages, and a pervasive issue of educated unemployment.The analysis identifies multifaceted barriers such as extreme socio-economic disparities, profound language barriers due to non-mother tongue instruction, cultural disconnects within mainstream curricula, inadequate educational infrastructure, and a critical shortage of culturally sensitive and linguistically competent teachers.Furthermore, the paper highlights gaps in policy implementation and instances of discrimination that impede educational progress.Drawing on recent data and ethnographic studies, this paper argues for a comprehensive, culturally responsive, and economically integrated approach to Santal education, emphasizing mother-tongue instruction, targeted economic support, and enhanced teacher training to foster genuine empowerment and social equity.