Karulai: The distribution of free food kits for Cholanaikanns, the residents of Karulai forests in Malappuram, has reportedly stopped. Essential items for the next two weeks excluding rice, should have been delivered on Wednesday. But the delivery was not done due to lack of supplies. The distribution of ITDP’s (Integrated Tribal Development Scheme) food kits for 70 families has been suspended and this has put the cave dwellers in dire straits. 

Food kits are provided to them as part of yearly scheme. By the time a new plan for the year was drawn up, the election model code of conduct (MCC) came into place. The distribution of food kits has been halted due to the inability to approve new projects while the MCC is in place. Previously, PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) schemes were implemented for five years. Now, these are implemented on an annual basis before the beginning of each financial year.

However, ITDP officials said that a letter has been sent to the Election commission in this regard and once the approval is received, the kit distribution will be restored. 

The kit contains sugar, tea, cowpeas, dal, chickpeas, flattened rice (aval), salt, chilly powder, coriander powder, coconut oil, onion, potato and dried fish. Kits are distributed on the first and third Wednesday of every month, from the Cholanaikanns headquarters in Manjeri. This has been going on for ten years now. They live around 25 kms inside the deep forests and it is difficult for them to come out and buy essential items. The vehicle rent itself will cost them more than Rs 2000.

Adding to their woes is the fact that forest resources are now scarce and their income is quite low. The tribals allege that the lack of food supplies is due to the negligence of the authorities. They say that if the authorities had planned well in advance, they would not have had to face this difficulty. Their sole comfort now is that rice and wheat distribution still continues through ration shops.

Meanwhile, the community kitchen which was functioning in Manjeri to offer nutritious food to the Cholanaikanns was also shut down due to lack of funds. This was started by the Mahila Samakhya Society to reduce malnutrition among the Cholanaikar tribes. Food for those that came to sell forest produce and buy rations was offered through this kitchen. Parcels for the rest of the family were also given.