Thiruvananthapuram: A Kerala State Literacy Mission survey has found 9,751 illiterates among Wayanad's Adivasis. Following this, it identified 300 study centres for literacy classes, each having at least 20 students. The mission would identify 6,00 instructors with two per centre and one of them an Adivasi. Wayanad has the highest number of tribal people - 152,808 of its 8, 16,568 population, forming nearly 18.52 percent of the district and 38.16 percent of the total Adivasis in the state.
The survey also identified Kariyam, 95, of Kuttimulla colony in Mananthavady, Karuthamma, 93, of Vengapally and Karuthamma, 93, of Thavinjal as the oldest illiterates in the district. The plan is to complete the first level within three months, conducting 100-hour classes, which ports minister Ramachandran Kadannappally inaugurated giving the Saksharatha Padavali to Ms Karuthamma.
During the literacy drive, Legal Services Authority would conduct adalats to redress complaints in settlements.
Scheduled Tribe department and voluntary organisations have agreed to provide snacks and tea during classes. Excise department would conduct classes against drug and alcohol abuse in settlements. The mission also plans a comprehensive package for Adivasis in different parts of state excluding Alappuzha and Kottayam districts, establishing 100 education centres in 100 colonies.
