Kumulu Jani appointed chairperson of Koraput SDC

Bhubaneswar: The state government on Thursday issued notification for formation of Special Development Council (SDC) in nine tribal-dominated districts of Odisha.

The development council will function in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Koraput and Nabarangpur districts.

Kumulu Jani has been appointed as the chairperson of Koraput SDC, it said.

The basic objective behind formation of the councils is to improve the economic condition of tribals and provide them quality education. These will have decision-making powers and financial resources to promote, preserve and develop the cultural identities and economic capabilities of tribals in Odisha, the notification added.

Official sources said the government has targeted to spend Rs 175.5 crore annually for tribals of the state through these councils with representatives of 62 tribal groups as members. Each block in the nine districts will get an allocation of Rs 1.5 crore every year.

There are 62 distinct scheduled tribes of which 13 are particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) in Odisha. The tribals constitute 22% of the state’s population.