Scheduled Tribes in Kerala

The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs stated that, according to the 2011 Census, Kerala’s Scheduled Tribe (ST) population is 4,84,839, representing 1.45 % of the state’s total population, with the highest numbers in Wayanad, Idukki, Palakkad, Kasaragod and Kannur. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, monitoring the Forest Rights Act (2006) through monthly progress reports, has issued 2,923 Individual Forest Rights titles and 110 Community Forest Rights titles (total 3,033). Funds released to Kerala under the Tribal Sub‑Plan and related schemes from FY 2021‑22 to 2025‑26 amount to several hundred crore rupees, covering scholarships, research institute support, and the PM JANMAN scheme. The government also highlights the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (launched 2 Oct 2024) with a budget of ₹79,156 cr to address infrastructure and livelihood gaps for tribals.