Mangaluru: Though Karnataka is said to have 50 tribal communities as per the 2011 census, Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute (KSRTI) director T.T. Basavanagowda feels that the number could be less. He feels there is a need to have a microscopic study done to get the exact number of tribes and their status in Karnataka. Basavanagowda was in Mangaluru to participate in a tribal festival.
“As per the census report and the list of government of India and the state government, there are 50 tribal communities in the state. It is said that some communities have one or two families in the state. But we do not come across several of the communities. For example Adiyan, Dubla, Warli are some of the tribes listed. But we do not come across them,” Basavanagowda said.
“Whenever we start some programmes for tribals, we get a response from the communities. But several communities named in the census do not respond and their existence too is not known. Based on various feedbacks, we feel that at present there could be about 35 tribes in the state,” he said, adding there is a need to have a microscopic study conducted to get a clear picture about the number of tribes and their status.
“There is a need to have a door to door and village to village microscopic study. It is a challenging and sensitive issue. In the coming days, we will conduct this study,” he declared. Basavanagowda also said that the Institute was conducting a socio-economic and educational survey of tribals in the state.
“The survey of three communities which were conducted last year has been completed. This year we will take up about 10 communities,” he said. Speaking about the decline of the Koraga community in DK and Udupi, Basavanagowda said that DNA Diagnostic Lab in Dharwad would conduct a study.
