Probe sought into 379 tribal children losing ICDS benefits over face recognition issues

Tribal collective Thampu has sought an inquiry into the reported denial of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) benefits to 379 tribal children in Attappady due to incomplete Facial Recognition System (FRS) registration.

Thampu said the children, spread across 192 tribal settlements, were left out of the beneficiary list as their mobile numbers had not been linked with Aadhaar.

It sought immediate technical support for tribal families facing problems with FRS registration and steps to ensure that the children continued to receive ICDS services.

The demands were raised during a meeting with SC/ST and Backward Classes Welfare Minister K.A. Thulasi at Attappady on Monday (October 5, 2026).

Thampu also welcomed the revival of the officials’ coordination committee formed in Attappady following child deaths in the region.

Thampu president Rajendra Prasad said the committee and a nodal office were set up after interventions by Thampu and other tribal groups. He called for representatives of tribal organisations to be included in the committee.

Forest rights

The organisation sought early decisions on 586 applications submitted under the Forest Rights Act in 2025-26 and the timely distribution of Individual Forest Rights, Community Forest Rights and Community Rights documents.

It also sought steps to ensure clean drinking water in Attappady and immediate action to address concerns over child deaths among tribal communities.

Other demands raised by Thampu included monthly nutrition kits and pension for people with sickle cell anaemia, timely assistance under the Janani Janma Raksha Yojana, and an increase in employment days under the Tribal Plus scheme to 150. Mr. Prasad said tribal communities had limited livelihood options and needed greater access to employment schemes.

Mr. Prasad led the delegation. Thampu convener K.A. Ramu, Binil Kumar Tharayil, Revathi Udayakumar, Manju Pattimala, Suja Gonchiyur and Parameswaran Vellamari were also present.