A report submitted by the Kerala Institute for Research, Training and Development Studies of Scheduled Castes and Tribes to the district administration has highlighted the plight of the tribals, especially the Paniyas, in the district. The report pointed out that children belonging to the Paniya tribe are dropping out of anganwadis as the workers there are not fluent in their language, and children are dropping out of schools too.
The study focussed on the tribal colonies in Pathippara, Chembukadavu, Chippilithode, Mele Ponnankayam, Kottakunnu, Muthappanpuzha, Kuravukkandi, Nooramthodu, Nakkilampadu, Odappoyil, Kolikkunnu, Kakkanamchery. Paniyas form a majority of the tribal population in the district. Members of the Kattunaykar community are staying in Chippilithodu and Muthappanpuzha settlements.
The report suggested that workers proficient in Paniya language should be appointed there or helpers from the community should be recruited. Stories and songs in the language should be part of the syllabus and extra-curricular activities.
The report said that at least some colonies are in the grip of sickle cell anaemia and tuberculosis, and alcoholism is a major social issue there. It suggested that more social initiatives such as ‘Nattukoottam’ involving elders were the need of the hour to bring back the social cohesion among its members. Steps should be taken to create more jobs through schemes under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, and the women should be empowered by involving them in Kudumbasree activities. A meeting presided over by Additional District Magistrate T. Janilkumar discussed the report.
