Nearly 1,400 have tested positive so far in tribal settlements
The number of COVID-19 cases in tribal settlements in Idukki district has shown a spurt, with Kurathikudy near Adimali reporting the highest number. As many as 1,382 persons tested positive for COVID-19 so far in the tribal settlements and caseloads are higher in settlements near the towns.
Health experts have warned that the chances of the virus spreading among residents of the settlements are high due to the community system of living followed by the tribespeople. During the first wave, only 10 were infected with the disease. The Health and Forest Departments have now intensified awareness campaigns and adopted measures to arrest transmission.
Of the 14 students in class 10, only six are likely to rejoin when on-campus classes resume on Monday
MANGALURU: Only six of the 14 class 10 students from a residential school for tribal children in Madya, Surathkal, are expected to return when regular classes resume on Monday.
Although regular classes for SSLC and II PU students began on January 1 across the state, Kendriya Madari Vasathi Shale, managed by the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP), will reopen only on Monday.
Most students at this school hail from the Koraga community, an economically backward one, or are from other districts.
“We believe no effort is being made to bring these students back,” a teacher said. “Since most of them are poor, they have not logged in for online classes either. We fear they have dropped out. Academically, these children lag behind and many of them may have discontinued schooling to take up odd jobs.”