As per the Census of 2011, the total population of Tamil Nadu is 721.47 Lakhs. Of which the population of Adi Dravidars is 144.38 Lakhs (20.01%) and Scheduled Tribes is 7.95 lakhs (1.10%). The majority of the Adi Dravidar / Scheduled Tribes population are economically backward and socially marginalized. Most of the families lack resources and access to education, employment and other income-earning opportunities are limited to them.
According to 2011 Population Census the Literacy rate of Adi Dravidar/Tribal people are as follows:-(Percentage)
|
Details |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
General |
86.77 |
73.44 |
80.09 |
|
Adi Dravidar |
80.94 |
65.64 |
73.26 |
|
Tribal |
61.81 |
46.80 |
54.34 |
2. Welfare Programmes:
The Government of Tamil Nadu implements several welfare programmes
for the socio-economic and educational development of the Adi Dravidars and Scheduled Tribes in the State. The objectives of these programmes are to facilitate faster socio-economic and educational development of the Adi Dravidars / Scheduled Tribes so as to end their social seclusion and economic deprivation and also to speed up the process of integrating them with the national main stream. 19 sectoral departments constituting of 45 HOD’s for Scheduled castes and 17 sectoral departs comprising 43 HOD’s for Scheduled Tribes, earmark specific allocations for the benefit of the Adi Dravidars / Scheduled Tribes from their regular planned programmes allocations.
Among various social sector programmes implemented by the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, education occupies the prime place as it reforms the society at greater level. Besides this, various other welfare programmes like distribution of house site pattas and construction of houses and provision of basic amenities like roads, street lights, supply of drinking water, burial ground and pathway to burial ground etc. are also taken up as part of the social development programmes.
Construction of traditional houses, distribution of milch animals, provision of drinking water facilities and street lights are the benefits extended to the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups for those who are residing at hilly areas.
60% of Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan is given to start any viable income generating activities and 30% is utilized for creating infrastructure facilities and the remaining 10% is utilized for Skill development programmes, in the tribal areas.
Necessary funds are provided under Article 275 (1) of Constitution of India to provide infrastructure facilities in Tribal areas and also to implement the Forest Rights Act.
Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing Development Corporation (TAHDCO) implements these economic development programmes in addition to the regular economic development programmes implemented by various sectoral departments for the benefit of the Adi Dravidars / Scheduled Tribes / Adi Dravidar Converted to Christianity in the State. The economic development programmes implemented through TAHDCO are primarily of three categories namely 1) Micro enterprises development for the poor families 2) Vocational job-oriented skill training programmes and 3) Individual entrepreneur schemes which are supported by appropriate training and subsidy programmes. To create employment opportunities and to strengthen the skill needs specific trades among the youth, suitable skill development training programmes are organised through well known and recognized institutions.