EDUCATION AND SOCIAL -MOBILITY OF SCHEDULED TRIBES IN PURULIA DISTRICT OF WEST BENGAL: A META ANALYSIS

This study examines the intersection of education and occupational mobility among the Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Purulia district, West Bengal, using data from the 2011 Census. The analysis highlights a persistent educational disadvantage, particularly among tribal women, and a strong dependence on agriculture-based livelihoods. The literacy rate among STs in Purulia (53.68%) remains below both state and national ST averages, with a significant gender gap of 28.17%. Furthermore, the occupational distribution shows minimal diversification, with a majority engaged as agricultural labourers and cultivators, and very low participation in household industries and other sectors. These patterns indicate limited upward mobility and underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions in education, skill development, and non-farm employment. Addressing these structural challenges is crucial for enhancing socio-economic mobility and empowering tribal communities in Purulia. Keywords: Tribal Education, Occupational Mobility, Scheduled Tribes, Purulia, Gender Gap, Agricultural Labour, Census 2011, Rural Development, Social Inequality, Skill Development