Participation among tribal youths of India in vocational training measures: A systematic review of literature

• Published in: Evaluation and program planning 2025-04, Vol.109, p.102530, Article 102530
• Main Authors: Biswal, Pritam, Sahoo, Chandan Kumar, Mishra, Niharranjan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: India; Literature; Systematic review; Training; Tribal; Vocational; Youths
• ISSN: 0149-7189
• DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2024.102530

Vocational Training is integral to Skill India Mission 2015, which targets to mitigate youth unemployment. However, evidence reveals a significant number of unenrolled youths. Existing studies pinpoint the reasons for this decline in varied nations including India, but rarely they are specific to indigenous communities. Therefore, the aim is to delve into the diverse aspects of participation in vocational training, focusing on tribal communities in India. This systematic literature review uses the SPICE tool for question formulation, PRISMA guidelines for article selection, Mendeley for duplication elimination, and SQUIRE 2.0 for evaluating research quality. There are few studies on tribal population participation in vocational training in India. An interpretation of synthesis based on 37 included studies highlights the low participation of tribes despite government emphasis. The analysis reveals that social stigma still hinders access to vocational training, undermining the potential benefits. Hence, inadequate progress in this area has compromised the fulfilment of its true purpose. This study offers a unique approach by extracting literature and employing scientific review tools to find new insights. Notably, the review findings can shape the understanding of vocational training by stimulating global discussions. •The article highlights concern about tribal people’s participation in vocational training.•There is a lack of congruence with tribal people’s skills and job market demands but vocational training remains crucial.•Vocational training has a stigma attached to it and is seen to be exclusively available for lower socioeconomic status.•There are still difficulties in ensuring equity, transparency, power-sharing, and flexibility in vocational training.•Vocational training may fill the gap between schooling and local industry, enhancing the job chances of youth population.