Bowed, Bent and Broken: Investigating Enrolments of Scheduled Castes/Tribes to Technical Higher Education Programmes in Kerala

Abstract

The Kerala model of development is well regarded in the literature, with numerous authors citing how it brought forth high social development and egalitarianism into the state. Kerala, unlike its neighbours, has traditionally resisted private expansion of higher education, arguing for the cause of social equity, fairness and justice for deprived sections. However, post the millennium, growth in technical institutions offering professional higher education courses have been prolific in the state. Against this backdrop, this study investigates how the most backward sections of the state comprising Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) have fared in enrolments to such programmes. Using data retrieved from the available public records, the analysis finds that SC/ST sections are grossly under-represented across the entire spectrum of professional higher education courses in the state that offer technical programmes. The enrolments are far below the expected levels, underperforming all other South Indian states and the national average by a significant margin. The study suggests that this data is deliberately withheld by the government to the public. The research argues that Kerala is at a critical juncture, where in the absence of disruptive government intervention, the situation would worsen. These findings severely dent Kerala’s claims on being an inclusive society and its narrative on development orientation. A phenomenon of social exclusion encountered in the state is explained and illustrated. Thereafter, the article discusses the implications of the findings, while suggesting policy initiatives and regulatory actions that can help provide respite and relief for the deprived SC/ST communities.