Brinda Karat Urges Change in Recruitment for Tribal Schools to Help Adivasi Students
New Delhi, India – Brinda Karat, a leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has written to Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram. She is asking for a change in the way teachers and staff are hired for Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMR) to better support Adivasi students.
Concerns About Current Recruitment
In her letter, Karat explains that the current centralized recruitment process, managed by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), does not consider the unique cultural and language needs of Adivasi students. She argues that teachers need to understand Adivasi cultures and languages to be effective.
Issues with Language Requirements
Karat points out that the new recruitment method requires candidates to be proficient in both English and Hindi, but not in the local languages of the states or Adivasi communities. She questions why local languages and Adivasi cultures are being ignored.
Impact on Students
She also highlights that non-local teachers often have high absenteeism rates and request transfers, which disrupts the education of the students. Karat suggests that only local recruitment should be considered to ensure regular attendance and better understanding of the students’ needs.
Examples from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Karat mentions that in Andhra Pradesh, 100% reservation for ST teachers in tribal areas ensured regular attendance and better teaching. However, changes in recruitment rules led to irregular attendance and negative impacts on students. She also notes that in Telangana, most new recruits are from Haryana, not Telangana, due to the Hindi language requirement.
Call for Action
Karat urges Minister Oram to reverse the current recruitment method to protect the interests of Adivasi students and uphold the federal character of the Constitution.
