Published Paper Details:

India has a diverse tribal population, among which the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) represent some of the most socio-economically marginalized communities. In Tamil Nadu, the Irula tribe is recognized as one of the six PVTGs and has historically depended on traditional livelihood practices such as hunting, gathering, subsistence agriculture, and small-scale livestock rearing. However, environmental changes, deforestation, and socio-economic transformations have significantly altered these traditional livelihood systems. The present study examines the livelihood patterns and socio-economic conditions of the Irula community with a focus on their access to institutional support and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The research adopted a descriptive research design and collected primary data from 104 respondents belonging to the Irula community in the Nilgiris region of Tamil Nadu using a self-structured questionnaire. The study analyzed various aspects such as demographic characteristics, income sources, awareness of government welfare schemes, access to institutional support, and satisfaction with healthcare facilities. Descriptive statistical tools such as frequency and percentage analysis were used to interpret the data. The findings reveal that the livelihood of the Irula community is largely dependent on seasonal migration, wage employment, livestock rearing, and agricultural labour, reflecting economic vulnerability and limited land ownership. The study also indicates moderate awareness of government schemes such as the Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Project (TNRTP) and Large Sized Adivasi Multipurpose Societies (LAMPS), while a significant proportion of respondents reported inadequate institutional support in preserving indigenous knowledge and improving livelihood opportunities. Furthermore, dissatisfaction with healthcare services highlights the persistent infrastructural challenges in tribal areas. The study concludes that although institutional initiatives and welfare schemes exist to support tribal development, their reach and effectiveness remain limited. Strengthening awareness programs, improving service accessibility, and promoting community participation are essential to enhance sustainable livelihood opportunities and improve the overall socio-economic well-being of the Irula tribal community.