Though Kerala was the first State in the country to declare the right to Internet as a basic right, as many as 189 Adivasi ooru (tribal colonies) spread over 12 districts in the State still have no access to Internet and mobile connection, affecting the prospects of over 5,000 tribal students in these colonies.
According to the data available with the Scheduled Tribes Development department, Idukki has the highest number of tribal colonies cut off digitally from the mainland — 75 colonies, accommodating over 2,000 tribal students. Kannur comes second with 1,140 students.
