Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Electricity is being extended to 1,137 more tribal households in Kerala. Though the state declared itself fully electrified in 2017, these houses were left without power. Most of them are in remote, difficult terrains, where the high cost of electrification made it unfeasible for families. 

With joint financial assistance from the central and state governments, these homes are now being electrified free of cost. According to Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty, in about 13 tribal hamlets where drawing power lines is not possible, electricity will instead be provided through solar and wind energy projects.

The initiative comes under the central government’s Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, which focuses on integrated development of tribal regions. The total cost of the project is estimated at ₹6.12 crore, with 60% borne by the Centre and 40% by the state’s Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).

Identified households and survey

The cost of electrifying a single household is about ₹85,000. These houses were identified through a KSEB survey. Most of them are in the districts of Idukki, Kasaragod, and Palakkad. The state cabinet had earlier recommended their inclusion under the central scheme, which has now enabled the project’s implementation.