CM Urges SDC Members to Lead Tribal Development at the Grassroots

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday urged the newly appointed Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of Special Development Councils to work with sincerity for tribal welfare, saying politics for his government is a means of serving the poor in the last row, based on the principle of Antayodaya.

A discussion meeting with the new heads of 23 Special Development Councils from across the state was held at Lok Seva Bhawan. Addressing them, the Chief Minister said steps have been taken for the betterment of all sections since his government came to power, with special focus on tribal development. “For us, politics is not a means of grabbing power, but a means of serving the poor in the last row, whom we call Antayodaya. Therefore, you should reach the last row and work for the people,” Majhi said.

He advised the council members to work patiently and take local issues to district-level officers. “The departmental officers and ministers will also take steps on your various issues. All arrangements are being made so that you work with due respect at the district level,” he added. Stressing on field work, the CM said, “We believe in action, not words. Regularly visit the field level and understand the problems of the people and take steps accordingly. Serve the people with the mindset of ‘Yes, We Can’. Success will definitely be achieved.”

Pointing out that one-fourth of Odisha’s population is tribal, Majhi said this community is still far behind in development. “After our government came to power, special attention is being given to it. We should work with sincerity on how we can transform them,” he said.

He noted that the language, art and culture of tribal communities are unique and have enriched Odisha’s overall heritage. Citing PM Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’, the CM said development must go hand-in-hand with preservation of culture.

Highlighting constitutional provisions and schemes, Majhi mentioned Article 275(1) and said Rs 18,371 crore has been provided to the state for tribal development and welfare. He listed state initiatives including proportional reservation in technical education, Shaheed Madho Singh Hata Kharcha Scheme, increased pre-matric scholarships, and assistance for micro-industries under the Chief Minister’s Tribal Livelihood Mission.

On central schemes, he spoke about the Chief Minister’s Adi Karma Yogi Abhiyan, Dharti Aba Janbhagidari Abhiyan, and PM Janman Yojana.Ministers and officials speak

ST & SC Development Minister Nityanand Gond said the councils have been formed to take development to the grassroots and to preserve tribal art, culture and heritage. “You should bring the problems prevailing at the grassroots level to the attention of the government. It will be resolved,” he said. Chief Secretary Anu Garg called the appointment of one woman and one man in each Development Council a “good model” and said teamwork is needed to achieve Vision 2036.Development Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh and ST & SC Development Department Secretary B. Deriyan also attended the meeting.