The correct answer is: b) Lower percentage of tribal population.
According to the 2011 census, the tribal population in Tamil Nadu is 1.07%, which is lower than the national average of 8.6%. The main reason for this is that Tamil Nadu has a relatively small area of forest land, which is the traditional habitat of tribal people. In addition, the state government has implemented a number of policies to promote the development of tribal areas, which has led to a decline in the number of people living in poverty.
Option a) is incorrect because the tribal population in Tamil Nadu is not significantly higher than the national average.
Option c) is incorrect because the tribal population in Tamil Nadu is not similar to the national average.
Option d) is incorrect because Tamil Nadu does have recognized Scheduled Tribes.