CM Inaugurates Special Development Council For Nine Tribal-Dominated Dists

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, on Friday, inaugurated special development council set-up for nine tribal-dominated districts at Utkal Mandap.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, “An assistance of Rs 1.5 crore will be provided to each block of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Kandhamal, Koraput, Gajapati, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri and Rayagada districts. A sum of Rs 175 crore will be invested annually for the development of around 14 lakh tribal families through the council.”

Addressing the meeting, ST and SC Development Minister Ramesh Majhi said, “The council was set up with a broad view to uplift the socio-economic conditions of tribals as well as provide them quality education while keeping their unique identity intact.”

The event was attended by Planning and Coordination Minister Usha Devi, Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi, Development Commissioner R Balakrishnan and other senior government officials.

The proposal for establishment of the council was approved in the state cabinet meeting on July 27 last year. The council will have decision making powers and financial resources to preserve, promote and develop unique socio-cultural identities of tribals in the state.