Attappady meet drafts tribal development charter

Tribal leaders from across the state gathered in Attappady for a brainstorming session to identify and prioritize the development needs of tribal communities. The meeting, jointly organized by Thampu, a tribal welfare organization, and Gothra Bhoomi Publications resulted in the preparation of a political charter on land rights and tribal development that will be presented to the newly elected United Democratic Front (UDF) government.

About 60 representatives of various tribal organizations and regions of the state participated and shared their concerns and experiences. Titled ‘Ooru Jaddh’, the forum sought to consolidate long-pending demands and outline a blueprint for the future development of tribal communities.

Inaugurating the event, President Attappady of the Allan block panchayat called for a long-term development framework for tribal communities and advocated a ‘Vision 2050’ approach to empowerment and well-being. Thampu President Rajendra Prasad presided over the meeting. Tribal leaders Manish Sreekaryam, Binil Kumar, KA Ramu, Dr. Naveen, Chitra Nilambur and Revathy Udayakumar.

Key challenges

The ensuing discussions focused on the key challenges faced by tribal communities and were attended by representatives of organizations such as Adivasi Action Council, Adivasi Aikyavedi, Mooppan’s Council and Totem Resource Centre, Wayanad. There were also suggestions from those who could not attend.

The talks culminated in a consolidated document that the tribal delegation will present to Chief Minister VD Satheesan, Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan and ministers in-charge of SC/ST Welfare, Health and Home. The Forum finalized 100 recommendations on social justice, health, nutrition, education, housing, sanitation and drinking water and infrastructure.

Major recommendations include allocation of one to five acres of land to each of Kerala’s 1,00,897 tribal families, measures to address landlessness as a key impediment to development, effective implementation of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA), strengthening of the Forest Rights Act and expansion of the Forest Rights Mechanism and Tribal Rights Awareness and Litigation Commissions, resolution of long-standing land disputes. social security systems in local tribal languages.

Published – 30 May 2026 19:51 IST