SC, ST students' enrolment for higher studies low: Survey

Its a matter of concern; Im disappointed, says Sibal

Out of every 100 students getting into higher educational institutes, less than 11 are from Scheduled Caste (SC) and less than five are from Scheduled Tribes (ST), despite reservation in admission.

The poor enrolment percentage of SC and ST students in universities and colleges has been brought to the fore by a nationwide survey conducted by a government-appointed task force for the academic year 2010-11.

According to the provisional results of the survey conducted for the first time in the country, the enrolment of SC students in higher educational institutions stood at 10.2 per cent of the total while the percentage of ST students came at just 4.4. The data includes enrolment of students in higher educational courses conducted in distance mode.

“The low participation of Scheduled Tribe students in higher education is a matter of concern. I am a little disappointed,” Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal said after releasing the provisional report here on Friday.

The percentage of enrolment of students belonging to other backward classes (OBC) in 2010-11 was pegged at 27.1. “This is reflective of the fact that 27 per cent OBC quota was filled in the country,” Sibal said.

The survey recorded a significant rise in the overall gross enrollment ratio in the higher education. The GER in higher education was 15.0 in 2009-10 while it was found to be 18.8 in 2010-11, an increase by nearly 26 per cent.

Women enrolment up

It also indicated an increase in the enrollment of women in the higher education institutions in 2010-11 by nearly 30 per cent. The gross enrollment ratio of women in 2010-11 was pegged at 16.5 while it was 12.7 in 2009-10.

“The official database provided as a result of the survey will prove to be of immense importance for the development of this sector. These estimates will be revised in view of the fact that the data flow is still continuing,” the minister said.

In the past, it was difficult for the policy makers to specify a growth chart for institutional progress in higher learning due to absence of detailed statistical information. “The survey which is available online would make things easier for both the stakeholders as well as decision makers,” he added.

The survey results are based on the details provided by 448 universities, 8123 colleges and 4076 stand alone institutions till July 31, 2012.

“A final report will be released later after compilation of data received from various higher educational institutions,” a HRD ministry official said.

The survey, which began in August last year, will be conducted every year to replace the existing manual system of data collection in higher education, he added.