Educational Status in Rural Population of Bathinda: A Comparative Study

Investigation was carried out in district Bathinda to study the relative improvement in the educational status of scheduled versus non-scheduled caste respondents; and to analyse the socio-economic and psychological consequences of such a situation. A drastic change in the educational level of both scheduled as well as non-scheduled caste respondents was noticed. It increased gradually from one generation to another. Study concluded that as far as higher education of non scheduled caste children was concerned, they were in a better position as compared to their scheduled caste counterparts. Majority of the scheduled caste children was studying in government schools. The factors affecting the difference in educational achievement levels of scheduled versus non-scheduled caste children came to be the occupation, family income, the family size and type of family. The scheduled caste families were having more favourable attitude towards intercaste marriage now as compared to non-scheduled caste families. Women education had helped in active and assertive participation in the family decision making process. The study also concluded that the attending of social and religious ceremonies of other castes was signigicantly higher in the case of scheduled caste as compared to non-scheduled caste households. Majority of both scheduled and non-scheduled caste respondents denied the existence of untouchability in rural areas of Punjab. In their opinion, it was the result of improved level of education among the people. Although scheduled caste respondents had improved their educational and socio-economic status, yet they have a long way to go.