Persisting Exclusion? Contextualizing the Tribal Welfare Policies of Kerala State

Abstract

This article provides a critical assessment of the tribal development policy of the Kerala government over the past decade. Commencing with the recent controversy surrounding the portrayal of adivasis as a 'human zoo' during the Keraleeyam event in November, 2023, this paper delves into the transformations in the state's approach, particularly its shift towards a 'right-based approach' in the late nineties. The discussion encompasses land-related issues, the state's stance concerning adivasis during the pandemic, and, notably, the prevalent 'dropout syndrome.' The paper concludes by contending that the current state perspective appears to perceive tribal issues primarily as residential challenges rather than a confluence of land and livelihood difficulties.