Priyanka Gandhi renews push for Scheduled Tribe status for Kunduvadiyans

Wayanad (Kerala): Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi has once again raised the demand to recognise the Kunduvadiyan community as a Scheduled Tribe, writing to the Kerala Minister for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Welfare.

She sent the letter to Minister O R Kelu after no favourable decision was taken on an earlier request made on October 27, 2025, her office said in a release here.

In the letter, Priyanka said that steps should be taken to include the Kunduvadiyan community, which is currently listed under the Other Eligible Communities (OEC) category, in the Scheduled Tribe list.


She pointed out that the community, with a population of over 500, has historically faced severe discrimination and was subjected to bonded and forced labour.

She said the Kunduvadiyan community has its own distinct language and culture and lives in isolation.

The AICC general secretary had earlier informed the minister about the difficulties faced by the community in accessing education and other opportunities.

Due to the lack of Scheduled Tribe status, the community continues to face cultural and economic marginalisation, she added.

Priyanka also noted that a study conducted by the Kerala Institute for Research, Training and Development Studies (KIRTADS) for the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the NITI Aayog had recommended that the Kunduvadiyan community be included in the Scheduled Tribe category.

She said that granting Scheduled Tribe status would be of significant benefit to the Kunduvadiyan community and would help address the long-standing social and economic challenges faced by its members.