Mysuru: The delay in upgrading state-run Ashram Schools in the forest-fringe villages of Chamarajanagar district has left members of the tribal community disappointed.The state govt has established 19 Ashram Schools to promote education among tribal communities in the border district. Nearly 1,700 children from primitive tribal groups are studying in these schools from Classes I to VII.However, students who complete Class VII are facing severe difficulties in pursuing higher education, and several have discontinued their studies due to the delay in upgrading the schools. Of the 19 Ashram Schools in the district, the govt has upgraded only one — at Nakkundi village in Hanur taluk — to offer pre-university education through the tribal welfare department.The govt began setting up Ashram Schools in 1973 with the aim of providing education to tribal children living in hilly, remote and forest-fringe areas. Over the years, the number of schools has increased and facilities improved. Students, including girls, studying in these residential schools (Class 1 to 7) are provided food, accommodation, beds, hot water, well-equipped kitchens and dormitories, among other amenities.However, due to financial constraints and other challenges, many students — especially girls — are reluctant to enrol in high schools located near taluk and district headquarters to continue their education after Class VII.As a result, many tribal students from remote areas prefer to continue their education within the Ashram School system. In the absence of upgraded facilities, some discontinue their studies after Class VII, leading to increased dropout rates and, in some cases, child marriages. Concerned over the trend, tribal organisations and leaders have been demanding that the govt upgrade Ashram Schools across the state, including those in Chamarajanagar, to provide education up to the PU level.Several tribal leaders have submitted representations to district authorities and the tribal welfare department seeking the upgradation of Ashram Schools and have raised the issue at various levels of govt. However, their demands have largely gone unanswered, said C Madegowda, vice-president of Chamarajanagar Soliga Tribal Welfare Association.“The govt must upgrade at least two Ashram Schools in every taluk of Chamarajanagar district, considering the large number of students, particularly girls, who discontinue their education after completing Class VII,” he told TOI.Speaking to TOI, Chamarajanagar District Tribal Welfare Officer Bindya said the department had submitted a proposal to the state government seeking the upgradation of all Ashram Schools in the district, which recorded the highest enrolment of tribal students in such schools last year.The proposal also sought the creation of teaching and non-teaching posts, along with budgetary allocations required to run the upgraded institutions. “The department is expecting an announcement on the upgradation of Ashram Schools for the 2026-27 academic year. The govt is likely to upgrade at least a few schools from next year,” she said.
