| The present study was conducted in 2015 – 16 in Thirunelli and Panamaram panchayats of Wayanad district, Kerala. Ninety Adiyas were randomly selected from 3 villages and social exclusion was measured using five indicators namely – geographical exclusion, economic exclusion, service exclusion, socio–cultural exclusion and political–legal exclusion. The salient findings of the study revealed that Adiyas were socially excluded to an extent of 66.38 per cent and half (50.00 %) of the respondents felt medium level of exclusion. Economic exclusion was felt to an extent of 74.54 per cent followed by political-legal exclusion (69.89 %). Adiya tribe experienced geographical exclusion to an extent of 69.76 per cent followed by service exclusion (67.96 %) and socio-cultural exclusion (48.92 %). Adiyas in There was significant difference in the extent of social exclusion in Thirunelli panchayath (70.90 %) and Panamaram panchayath (61.87 %). The profile of the Adiyas were studied and it was observed that education, type of house, social capital and political orientation showed significant negative relationship with social exclusion at one per cent level while annual income, land holding, condition of house, mass media participation, social participation and achievement motivation showed significant negative relationship with social exclusion at five per cent level. Principal component analysis was carried out and three factors namely tribal characteristics, risk factor and socio – economic factor explained the maximum variation (78.24 %) in social exclusion at community level. Strengthening of Oorukootams (93.33 %) was a major intervention suggested by Adiyas to overcome social exclusion. |
