THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: SC/ST Welfare Minister A K Balan on Wednesday said free kits would be distributed to 1.55 lakh Adivasis in the state during Onam. The Onam kit which costs about D1,500 will have more provisions and items than the previous year, he told the Assembly.
Besides, ‘onakkodi’ (dress for Onam) will also be distributed to 51,476 Adivasis aged 60 and above. Replying to another question, Balan said the government intends to set up as many as 5,000 community study rooms across the state. As a first step 100 settlements have been earmarked, he said, adding D50,000 is needed to set up one community study room, which will have all facilities, including computers and internet connection. A tutor would be appointed there on an honorarium of D15,000, he said.