Special Development Councils for tribals formed

Odisha government today established Special Development Councils in nine tribal dominated districts of the state with a view to preserving their culture, heritage and identity.
The councils have been formed in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri and Nabarangapur, according to a notification issued by planning and convergence department.
Altogether 112 blocks would be covered by the councils.
A total of Rs 175.50 crore will be spent per annum through these councils, the notification said.
All the 62 tribes of the state including the 13 particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) will have representation in these councils.
The headquarters of each of the Special Development Council will be at the headquarters of the districts concerned. The council will have district level committee and the state level committee for monitoring.

The chairperson of the council will be given the status of a minister of state, the notification said.