Odisha to set up spl development councils in 9 tribal dists

Odisha government today decided to set up special development councils (SDCs) in nine tribal dominated districts for taking up cultural, educational and economic welfare of tribes.
The decision in this regard was taken at the cabinet meeting here chaired Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
"These councils shall take up cultural, educational and economic development in harmony with the unique identity and ethos of the people," Patnaik, who for the first time briefed media after cabinet meeting, said.
The districts where the SDCs will be set up were: Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundergarh, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur.
Terming the state government's decision as "historic", Patnaik said many small tribal groups do not get representation directly in higher decision making fora.

"It is in this context that the formation of these SDCs is significant," Patnaik said.

These councils will have representation from every tribe present in the state, he said adding, they will have decision making powers and financial resources to preserve, promote and develop their unique socio-cultural identities and economic capacities.
Stating that all the 62 tribes, including 13 particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTG), will have representation in the councils, the chief minister said about Rs 1.5 crore will be allotted to each block under these councils and a total of Rs 175.50 crore will be spent per annum.
Patnaik said Rs 175.50 crore is earmarked for the SDCs over and above the already existing schemes for the nine tribal dominated districts.

Noting that this will be a landmark step towards empowerment of every tribe, irrespective of the size of their population, he said it will help preserve, honour and celebrate the unique cultural identity of every tribe, bringing about truly inclusive growth.
The Scheduled Tribes constitute 22 per cent of the state's population and nearly 10 per cent of the country's population.
The tribes of Odisha reside in 44 per cent of the geographical area of the state.
"Indeed Odisha takes pride in its unique cultural geography and its plural identity," Patnaik added.