The TSP Strategy launched in the state during Vth plan(1974-75-1978-79), has brought in substantial changes in the socio-economic development of tribals, Prior to Vth plan the tribal development programmes were infact disaggregations of general sector schemes. This shortfall was noticed and an area specific strategy viz. Tribal Sub Plan was designed and more meaningful programmes were formulated and implemented during later plan periods. As apart of it 5 ITDP were started in the state. They included the only tribal block in the State viz Attappady in Palakkad district. The strategy continued to the subsequent plans and the benefits were extended to dispersed tribes also by formulating suitable family oriented program.

   The area jurisdiction of ITDP were determined and they were reconstituted by raising the no. of ITDPs to seven and cover 74.96 % of the tribals in the state. The geographical boundaries of the ITDPs are co-terminates with district boundaries . Among them Idukki and Wayanad are fully covered ITDPs. The ITDPs in the state have very little power when compared to those in the other states of the country. Because the low proportion of tribal population with in ITDPs and the ITDPs were brought under the administrative control of the District Administration/ District Collector

   As part of the decentralization of the planning process in the State, TSP was decentralized to the district during 1979-1980.Also the State constituted a powerful body in all the districts viz District level Working Group for the formulation, implementation and monitoring of TSP Schemes under the chairmanship of the District Collector. The DLWGs and ITDPs interacted and liased in such a manner that the schemes prepared by the sectoral district level officers gave emphasis to the ITDP areas with focus on tribal community and individual family.

   Since the introduction of Maharashtra model of formulation and implementation of TSP in the State 1995-96, nearly 2 % of the State Plan outlay set aside for TSP, which is more than proportional to the Tribes population in the State. As soon as the decentralization of planning process came into being , the State transferred nearly 67% of the TSP provision to the local bodies for the formulation and implementation of location specific and need based development Programmes for the STs with their participation . This system continued from 1997-98 to 2000-01.

   The TSP areas earmarked for the utilization of TSP funds are mainly for poverty allevation programmes, educational and other human resource development programmes, water supply & sanitation, modernization of Agriculture, Health care, Housing , Development of Primitive Tribes, Income Generating Sector, Self employment and training sector, implementation of protective and anti-exploitation laws, Special programme for tribal women rehabilitation etc.

   During the Xth plan States decision to assign first priority to tribal development, preparation of a comprehensive master plan for the overall development of tribals with emphasis on Education, land based development, implementation of protective measures with legal support etc.