Ranchi, Aug. 8: Jharkhand has a tribal population of 50,000 out of which only few are literate. The reason behind the dismal literacy rate is lack of awareness, interest and resources.

This was the opinion of most of the delegates at a seminar on “Adim Janjati mein Siksha ki sthithi (Condition of literacy among the tribal population in the state)” organised by Vikas Bharti, a social organisation, here today.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from Lohardaga, Gumla, Gadwa, Dumka, Pakur, Dewgarh and Sahebganj participated in the seminar. Representatives of some of the primitive tribes like Maal Paharia and Sohriya also attended the daylong meet. The seminar was part of the Sarwa Siksha Abhiyan initiated by the government.

A proposal related to the problems and their solutions was presented to the cultural affairs minister Sudharshan Bhagat for consideration.

Statistics of the tribal population was also presented according to which, the Asur population in Gumla is 7,700, while in Lohardaga it is 1170. The Birhor population in Gumla is 191 while Lohardaga has only 58 such people. The Hil Pahariya population is only 7 in Gumla.

“These tribal people, who live below the poverty line, have drifted away from the mainstream society mainly due to lack of education and employment. Another reason behind their deterioration is lack of awareness,” said Sudhir Prasad representative of Chhotanagpur Craft development society Lohardaga.

“It is not easy to draw them out of this state of isolation. A social change must be brought about by teaching them in their local language and conducting tribal song, and street plays. Consistency in educating the tribal people is important, said another participant.