COVID-19 Infection Spreads Among Two Primitive Tribes Of Odisha, NCST Seeks Report

New Delhi: With six members of two primitive tribes testing COVID-19 positive, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has sought a factual report and an action taken report from the state government by September 25.

The PTI quoting media reports said that one member of the Bonda tribe and five from Didayi tribe had tested positive for the virus in August end.

Bonda and Didayi are particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTG).

The Hindustan Times in its August 26 report had mentioned about five Didayi tribals in Oringi and Muduliguda villages testing positive over the last couple of days.

The first case of infection among tribals was reported from Khairput block of Malkangiri district, which is home to over 12,000 Bonda tribals, the report added.

Earlier, the NCST had asked the Andaman and Nicobar administration to submit an action taken report after 10 members of the Great Andamanese tribe were found infected.

According to experts, the virus can have a serious impact on the PVTGs due to their poor levels of immunity, the news agency said.