Livelihood and Socio-Economic Life of Migrant Irula Community in Tirukazhukundram

Abstract

The Irulas are a group of tribal people who come under the scheduled tribe. These people who originally lived in the forest and relied a lot on the forest for their livelihood and survival were forced to migrate from the forests and hence had to look for alternative livelihood options. These people are generally exploited by others. They normally live under very poor conditions and generally treated very poorly by the officials as well as the other communities. Their culture and tradition differ a great deal from that of the other community people. This marginalized community gets very poor attention. The study aims to figure out the livelihood and socio-economic life of migrant Irula community in Tirukazhukundram, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu. The studies main objectives are to study the socio-economic condition of the Irula migrant community, the challenges in terms of migration, livelihood and economy, the health and hygiene of Irula community, to study the interventions of governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations for the migrant community in terms of their development. The researcher used a quantitative research methodology. Descriptive research design was used to analyze and describe the data collected from the respondents. Interview schedule was prepared by the researcher as a tool for data collection. The researcher used purposive non probability sampling method. The main findings of the study were the migrated Irula community are now mainly focusing on manual labors. They are not at all following their ancestral occupations and income generating activities. The government were preventing them from entering forest and collecting goods. There were not many diseases and health issues in the community at present. The people are not benefited much by the government and non-governmental organizations. Based on the Main findings, the suggestions were given to the government, Tribal Welfare Department, NGO’s and social worker and to help the Irula Migrated tribal people to live a life of dignity and happiness.