In Pathrachal,a tribal settlement in Edavaka grama panchayat, Kerala, senior citizen Karutha has been in tough bind. For over six months, no foodgrains from the public distribution system (PDS). Activists found her fingerprints don't match the electronic scanner at local fair price shop. No family on her ration card means relying on neighbors now for food .
This isn't just Karutha's problem. It's a crisis hitting tribal communities across Kerala. Uniform digital policies don't consider their unique challenges. C. Manikandan, an educationist from Wayanad,points out the mandatory linking of Aadhaar cards to mobile numbers for government services. Many here lack phones or network coverage,complicating access .
Even in emergencies,hospital patients struggle to get health cards fast, risking their health. Manikandan says digital verification barriers are pushing these communities into deeper trouble. Many can't get needed medical care.
School admissions for tribal kids also hit snags. Parents in Cheruvayal say Aadhaar card applications often get rejected over birth certificate discrepancies. For parents without formal education, these bureaucratic hoops are daunting.
Manikandan stresses digital disconnect's broad impact, blocking ration card renewals or social security pension applications. It's not just Wayanad—Palakkad,Malappuram,Idukki are affected too. K . Santhosh Kumar,an activist, notes 24% of Kerala's tribal population lives in forest areas with poor digital access .
Nearby forest settlements face similar issues . Even with smartphones,many don't know how to use them for essential services. Kumar criticizes government policies for overlooking these communities' geographical and tech limits. Many are left out of crucial government schemes.
Kerala's government has set aside ₹50 crore in its revised budget for a Tribal University in Wayanad,aiming to address educational gaps. But without fixing digital access and identity verification issues, benefits might not reach those in need.
Activists push for policies that consider tribal populations' specific needs. Without tailored solutions,digital divide risks growing, leaving these communities more marginalized . As Kerala advances digitally,tribal voices must be heard to ensure no one's left behind…
