Kerala HC Directs State to Ensure Education and Medical Facilities for Tribals

The Kerala High Court on Thursday directed the State to implement measures to safeguard the education of tribal children and ensure medical provisions for families residing in Pothugal, Vazhikadavu, and Karulai villages in Nilambur Taluk.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A.J. Desai and Justice V.G. Arun was hearing a plea filed by Aryadan Shouketh, the former Chairperson of Nilambur Municipality, and a social worker from Vaniyampuzha colony in Pothugal Grama Panchayat. The plea highlighted alleged “grave human rights violation and injustice” faced by the tribal communities dwelling in the mentioned villages.

The Court orally expressed its concerns, stating, “Our immediate priority at present is regarding the reconstruction of the bridge, ensuring that the education of children is not suffered, provision of medical facilities, and toilet facilities. For medical facilities, they have to cross the river…pregnant ladies find it impossible to do so for hospitalization, and so on.”

According to the petitioners, around 300 tribal families living along the Chaliyar and Punnapuzha rivers were severely impacted by devastating floods in 2018 and 2019. The calamities rendered their homes uninhabitable and cut off their access to the mainland due to a collapsed bridge. Consequently, essential facilities such as hospitals, ration shops, and schools became inaccessible.

The petitioners highlighted the dire circumstances faced by these tribal families, who were forced to seek shelter within the deep forest in makeshift plastic-covered sheds. They endured constant threats from wildlife and natural disasters, with children seeking refuge on tree branches at night to evade potential animal attacks.

The petition further outlined that during the rainy season, crossing the rivers became nearly impossible, hindering children’s ability to attend school, obtain medical care, and acquire essential supplies.

The Court was informed by the State’s counsel that while the Government had proposed alternative housing options, the tribal families were reluctant to relocate from their localities.

The Court emphasized the essential aspects of ensuring basic facilities for tribal families and education for their children. It instructed the State Attorney to explore the possibility of providing boats for the tribals’ use during specific times.

“We will consider other requests. At present, we are concerned with the education of children, medical facilities,” the Court stated.

Consequently, the Court has directed the State to submit its response and scheduled further deliberation on the matter for August 17.