The number of literates in the tribal belt of the State has increased nearly nine times in the past two years, courtesy three projects launched by the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA).
While 1,117 people became literate in the tribal areas in the 2015-17 period, the number of those who walked the path of literacy in the past two years touched 9,975.
There were 4,309 learners under the Wayanad literacy equivalency project; 3,670 under the Attappady literacy equivalency project; and 1,996 under the Samagra scheme launched in 100 educational backward tribal colonies, taking the total to 9,975. Of them, 7,565 were women.
Phase 3 at Attappady
At present, the third phase of the Attappady literacy equivalency project is under way with 1,361 learners. A survey in 192 settlements in the region had found 5,031 illiterates.
There were 1,117 learners in the first phase and 2,553 learners in the second phase. Activities are on to make the remaining literate. By next June, Attappady will be declared a completely literate block, mission director P.S. Sreekala said.