Published Paper Details:

Tribal education plays a vital role in the advancement and empowerment of indigenous communities. However, it encounters numerous obstacles, including poor infrastructure, limited access, inadequate quality, lack of relevance, and inequity. These challenges are further compounded by the geographical, cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic diversity within tribal populations. One particular area that urgently requires attention in terms of tribal education is the Tulail Valley, a sub-valley of Gurez in the Jammu and Kashmir union territory, nestled in the Himalayas. This valley is inhabited by the Dard tribe, who speak Shina, a branch of the Dardic languages. This community possesses a rich and unique cultural heritage, but unfortunately, they also face poverty, isolation, and marginalization. This research paper aims to investigate the state of institutional infrastructure and the complex challenges confronted by tribal students, with a specific emphasis on the status of elementary education in the Tulail Valley. By conducting a thorough analysis of the educational landscape, this study employs a natural inquiry design, utilizing information blanks, field notes, surveys and interviews as the primary methods for data collection. The aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. The study's findings shed light on the poor institutional infrastructural, lack of professional teachers, accommodation and many other unfolded challenges that hinder the accessibility and quality of education in the Tulail Valley. Furthermore, it explores potential strategies and interventions to address these challenges and promote inclusive and sustainable tribal education in the Tulail Valley.