Status of school education in border and backward areas of Punjab an evaluative study

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted to identify the factors that lead to educational backwardness in education in border and backward areas of Punjab. The panchayat members, blocksamiti members, principals, head-masters, teachers, villagers, community leaders in the selected border (Amritsar andFazilka) and backward (Mansa and Sri Muktsar Sahib) districts of Punjab constituted the universe of the study to seek the response on development of education in these areas. The interview schedule i.e. scientific social surveys developed by Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi were applied to collect the data. On the basis of content and percentage analysis of data causes leading to educational backwardness in these areas were identified. The lack of basic infrastructure and facilities like potable drinking water, separate toilet for staff and girls, disable friendly toilet act as a barrier to school enrolment and further it has lead to onslaught of privatisation of school education in border and backward districts thereby denting inclusiveness. The lower socio-economic status of the SC population and lack of teachers emerge as prominent factors responsible for educational backwardness in these areas. Lack of competent teacher workforce in these border and backward areas is one of the major factors leading to higher school dropout and poor enrolments in government schools. Educational implications and suggestions for carrying out further research have been recommended. newline