Socio-Economic Conditions of Kudiya Tribe in Kasaragod District of Kerala: A Case Study

Abstract

Social and economic justice, equality of status and opportunities, and the assurance of individual dignity are guaranteed by the Constitution of India for all citizens. Scheduled Tribes are ethnic groups of historically disadvantaged people who are given recognition in the Constitution of India. The Constitution is enriched with several provisions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to safeguard and promote their cultural, social, educational, and economic interests to integrate them into the mainstream of the nation. Despite these provisions, issues such as poverty, poor health and sanitation, illiteracy, and other social problems persist among the tribes. The current socio-economic development in Kerala does not fully reflect in their lives. Among the 36 tribal communities in the state, the Kudiya and Malakudi are found only in the Kasaragod district and South Karnataka. This study addresses the socio-economic status of the Kudiya community settled in the Kammady area of Panathady Panchayat in Kasaragod, as well as the challenges and prospects faced by this tribe.