Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has given its approval to five pivotal proposals across two departments, aiming to empower nearly one crore tribal individuals in the state. These strategic decisions, presented by Ministers Sudam Marndi and Jagannath Saraka, Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena, and Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the ST&SC Development department Roopa Roshan Sahoo, encompass innovative schemes and commissions designed to uplift and support the tribal communities.
LABHA Yojana: The government introduces “Laghu Bana Jatiya Drabya Kraya” (LABHA), ensuring a 100% state-funded minimum support price (MSP) for minor forest produce (MFP). The scheme focuses on integrating the efforts with Mission Shakti’s Women SHGs, managing procurement centers through SHGs and notified agencies, and establishing a tamarind processing plant in Rayagada.
Commission for Preservation and Promotion of Tribal Languages: The Cabinet approves the establishment of a commission dedicated to preserving and promoting 21 tribal languages in Odisha. The commission will encourage multilingual education, document and preserve tribal languages, promote language use, and protect linguistic rights.
Withdrawal of Decision on Odisha Scheduled Areas Transfer of Immovable Property Regulation: The Cabinet retracts the decision taken on November 14, 2023, to amend the Odisha Scheduled Areas Transfer of Immovable Property (by Scheduled Tribes) Regulation, 1956.
Inclusion of Communities in ST List: A resolution is passed for the inclusion of 169 communities in the Scheduled Tribe list of Odisha, furthering the state’s commitment to tribal welfare.
These decisions underscore the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and empowerment among the tribal communities in Odisha.