Mysuru: A recent survey conducted by the University of Mysore's Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy highlights significant health and social challenges faced by tribal communities.
The study, funded by the Union ministry of tribal affairs, indicates that 54% of vulnerable tribals across the state experience malnutrition. Additionally, 62% are dependent on substances like alcohol, gutkha, pan masala, and tobacco, whilst 47% of pregnant women are not receiving essential vaccinations.
The research uncovered that 3% of tribal women deliver babies in their hamlets. Domestic violence affects 38% of tribal women, and 21% continue to rely on firewood for cooking. The communities face widespread health challenges, including vector-borne diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, malaria, and water-borne illnesses like cholera, typhoid, and jaundice.
Educational statistics show a 39.4% dropout rate in Ashram schools and 21% in Ekalavya residential schools, both established specifically for tribal children. Housing remains a significant issue, with 73% lacking permanent dwellings, and 38% unaware of the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
Despite govt initiatives, 78% of tribal households lack individual toilets. The MGNREGA scheme has reached only 40% of the vulnerable tribal population, and 18% lack access to drinking water in their pucca houses. Many community members do not possess essential documents like Aadhaar cards and election photo identity cards.
The average life expectancy amongst these communities is 58.2 years, attributed to poor health awareness and hygiene practices. The comprehensive study, led by DC Nanjunda and GS Premakumar, surveyed 6,000 individuals from 50 vulnerable tribal communities including Jenukuruba, Iruliga, Kaniayan, Adiyan, and Soliga across Karnataka.
The findings reveal that 31.5% of vulnerable tribes do not access reservation benefits, whilst 17.2% are unaware of such facilities. According to the human development report index, Adiyan tribes rank first, whilst Jenukuruba ranks last.
Nanjunda confirmed that Karnataka is the second state after Kerala to conduct such a comprehensive tribal survey. The findings have been submitted to the Union ministry of tribal affairs with recommendations for tribal empowerment through TRIFED and LAMPS.
Chamarajanagar Soliga Tribal Association vice-president Mahadeva told TOI: "As the survey conducted by University of Mysore's Centre for Studyof Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy comes out with its findings now, I appeal to both the state and central govts to implement more schemes, take corrective measures to ensure a decent life for vulnerable tribes across the state. The corrective measures should not be restricted to mere lip service."