The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has directed the Pathanamthitta District Collector to ensure the rehabilitation of a tribal woman living under a tarpaulin sheet with her eight daughters inside the forest. Commission Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas issued the directive after taking suo motu cognisance of a report on the plight of Meena, a tribal woman residing in Manjathodu near Lahai.The Commission has asked the Collector, through the tahsildar, to verify whether the family is occupying land with a title deed and whether they have legal ownership rights. If eligibility is established, housing under the Life Mission scheme or other State or Central housing programmes may be considered. Until then, they may be provided with temporary accommodation in a government-owned building.In coordination with the district tribal development officer, district education officer, panchayat secretary and joint director of the panchayat department, the Collector has been also asked to assess the possibility of admitting the children to a residential school. If the mother agrees to boarding school education, suitable institutions in the district should be identified. Officials have also been instructed to coordinate with the headmaster of Kisumam Government Higher Secondary School, where the children currently study, to ensure they receive textbooks and uniforms.The Collector has been directed to submit a detailed report within one month. The Revenue Divisional Officer will appear on behalf of the Collector at the Commission’s sitting at the PWD Rest House in Tiruvalla. Published - June 06, 2026 07:23 pm IST