Kerala Minister orders probe into Achencoil tribal family’s distress; local ST promoter removed

Kerala Minister for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Backward Classes Welfare K. A. Thulasi has ordered a detailed investigation into the severe distress faced by a tribal family in Achencoil in Kollam. Following an assessment of the family’s plight, the Minister directed the department to submit an urgent report on the matter.

In a swift action against bureaucratic negligence, the Scheduled Tribe (ST) promoter assigned to the area was removed from the post for failing to report the family’s extreme poverty and the deteriorating condition of their children in a timely manner. After visiting the family, the Minister added that immediate measures will be taken to rectify such grave lapses and assured stringent action once the detailed report is received.

The issue came to light after the couple from Achencoil raised serious allegations regarding the lack of support from authorities concerned. The mother recently gave birth to twin babies who have low birth weight. Due to the challenges of caring for two newborns simultaneously, the mother cannot manage alone, forcing the father to stay back from work to assist her. With no employment and zero income, the family has been pushed to the brink of starvation and cannot afford infant formula. The mother revealed that due to inadequate breast milk production, she has been forced to feed the infants boiled water. The couple stated that they were denied essential nutritional support during pregnancy and alleged that the local ST promoter completely neglected them.

Ms Thulasi also visited the hospital to hold direct discussions with the doctors and other attending officials regarding the health of the mother and the newborns. Addressing systemic issues, the Minister said that despite the State allocating substantial funds for tribal welfare, there are glaring deficiencies in ensuring these benefits reach the actual beneficiaries. She added that these gaps will be identified and systematically resolved.

Administrative failures

The investigation has also highlighted administrative failures regarding social security benefits. Although the family possesses a ration card under the priority category, they have not been receiving their entitled benefits.

“The government will conduct extensive inspections across various parts of the State in the coming days to check if similar conditions exist elsewhere. There will be absolutely no compromise when it comes to taking action against negligent officials,” she said.