Quality of Life of Tribal Population in Kerala

Scheduled Tribes remain the most backward population in Kerala. The paper examines the quality of life of tribal population during 2001-2011. Deprivation index that measures the quality of life has narrowed down among tribes. But the level of deprivation in terms of housing, basic facilities and economic status is very high compared to the general population. Correlation analysis points to positive association between fertility and deprivation, and a negative association between literacy and deprivation among the tribes. Improvement in basic facilities linked to health and hygiene and economic conditions are imperative for overall well-being of tribal population.