The details of schemes implemented by various administrative units of this department are furnished below:-
The total population of Tamil Nadu as per 2001 census is 624.06 lakhs. Out of this, the population of Adi Dravidar is 118.58 lakhs (19%) and that of Tribals is 6.51 lakhs (1.04%), both comprising 20.04% of the State's population. With a view to improve the living conditions of the Adi Dravidar and Tribals and to develop them in all sectors, the Government of Tamil Nadu is implementing a number of welfare Schemes. As per the 1971 Census, the literacy rate of Adi Dravidars and Tribals was 21.82%, in 1981 it was 29.67%. As per 1991 census, the literacy rate of Adi Dravidars was 46.74% and that of Tribals was 27.89%.
As per 2001 Census, the literacy level of Adi Dravidar is 63.19% and that of Tribals is 41.53% which is much lower compared to the overall literacy rate of the state which is 73.45%. Hence much importance is needed for the development of Adi Dravidar and Tribal people.