Narikuravar and Kurivikkaran families in Tamil Nadu have been legally recognised as a Scheduled Tribe since 2 January 2023, the day the President signed the amendment into law. Before that the community was classed as Most Backward, and its members could not claim tribal reservation in education and jobs or Scheduled Tribe welfare schemes. Families in Chennai and nearby districts can now apply for ST community certificates and use those schemes.
The change took decades of demands to arrive. This guide covers what the law says, what the state has promised since, and the practical steps a family in Chennai should take.
What changed in law
The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second Amendment) Bill, 2022 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 9 December 2022, according to the PRS bill summary. Its only purpose was to add the two communities to the Tamil Nadu list in the 1950 order that names the state’s Scheduled Tribes.
It became Act No. 1 of 2023. The text of the Act shows it received assent on 2 January 2023 and was published in the Gazette the next day. It inserts a new entry 37 after entry 36 on the state’s list, reading “Narikoravan, Kurivikkaran”. Those are the spellings officials will look for on certificates.
During the Lok Sabha debate, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda said about 27,000 people would benefit and that the proposal had come from the Tamil Nadu government, Deccan Herald reported. Opposition members called the approach piecemeal. One asked about an ethnographic survey of 267 nomadic and semi-nomadic communities that was meant to inform a fuller list.
Where the community sits among Tamil Nadu’s tribes
The state’s Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, in its 2024-25 policy note, puts the tribal population at 8,41,558 people in 37 communities, using Census 2011. That is 1.17% of the state’s population. The note counts Narikuravars as the community added in 2023.
Narikuravars are traditionally nomadic. Many families have settled at the edges of towns, and in and around Chennai they are often seen selling beads, small goods and trinkets near temples, beaches and markets. The census figure predates their inclusion, so official numbers for the community itself are limited.
The welfare board and housing
The Tamil Nadu Narikuravar Welfare Board was created in 2008, before the ST listing. It was reconstituted on 30 October 2023 to run welfare schemes and help members take up other livelihoods, the policy note says.
The same note records that 1,500 houses were being built at a cost of ₹79 crore across 20 districts. They are meant for 500 Narikuravar families and 1,000 other homeless tribal families who are economically backward. Families interested in housing or board membership should ask at the district Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare office or the taluk office.
Schemes that ST status opens up
With an ST certificate, a family can use the tribal side of the state’s welfare schemes. Some of the main ones, from the policy note and TAHDCO, the state’s Adi Dravidar development corporation:
- Self-employment: CM-ARISE gives a 35% subsidy, up to ₹3.5 lakh, on small business projects for SC and ST applicants, plus a 6% interest subsidy for regular repayment.
- Larger businesses: the Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme offers a 35% capital subsidy up to ₹1.5 crore for enterprises fully owned by SC or ST persons.
- Loans: the state has allowed ₹20 crore in term loans for Scheduled Tribes through the national tribal finance corporation. Its education loans reached eight tribal students in 2023-24.
- Education: reserved seats and tribal welfare hostels and scholarships, which are open only to ST certificate holders.
Getting an ST community certificate in Chennai
- Apply for a community certificate through an e-Sevai centre or the state’s online e-district service. In Chennai the revenue taluk office processes it.
- Bring Aadhaar, the ration card and any older document that records the family’s community, such as a parent’s school certificate or an earlier MBC certificate naming the community.
- Check that the certificate uses the listed name, Narikoravan or Kurivikkaran, and the ST category.
- Keep copies. Schools, colleges and recruiting bodies will each ask for one.
Families moving between districts sometimes find old records missing. In that case, ask the taluk office what local inquiry it will accept. The Revenue Divisional Officer can help if a certificate is delayed.
Quick answers
When did Narikuravars become a Scheduled Tribe?
The Act received assent on 2 January 2023 and was published in the Gazette on 3 January 2023.
Which names are on the ST list?
Entry 37 of Tamil Nadu’s list reads “Narikoravan, Kurivikkaran”.
Is there a separate welfare board?
Yes. The Tamil Nadu Narikuravar Welfare Board, set up in 2008, was reconstituted in October 2023.
How many people benefit?
About 27,000, according to the Union minister during the Lok Sabha debate.
Information checked against official sources on 18 October 2026. Fees, dates and rules can change; confirm on the linked official pages before acting.
Sources
- The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second Amendment) Act, 2022 (PRS Legislative Research)
- The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Second Amendment) Bill, 2022: Bill Summary (PRS Legislative Research)
- Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department Policy Note 2024-25 (Government of Tamil Nadu)
- Two Tamil Nadu communities get Scheduled Tribe status (Deccan Herald, December 2022)
- TAHDCO schemes and contact (TAHDCO)
