Tribals, the original inhabitants of India have contributed much to the nation’s culture, history and heritage. Under the constitutional provisions of Directive Principles, the States’ major concern for tribes has been their welfare and development. It is ironical that despite a large number of well-meaning constitutional provisions aimed at protecting and safeguarding the welfare and interest of the tribal communities, the process of marginalization of the tribal’s has gone unabated. In this context, the paper has made an overview on the socio-economic conditions of tribals belonging to the Paniyas (Paniyas), which has the lowest standard of living, even though being the bulk of the tribal populace in Kerala.