Bhubaneswar,Jan, 03: Efforts are underway to include more communities in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI) has been directed to study the matter. After completion of the study, the findings will be recommended to the next meeting of the Tribal Advisory Council, as instructed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The Tribal Advisory Council meeting was held on Tuesday at Lok Seva Bhavan under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister. Along with the Chief Minister, 18 members of the Tribal Advisory Council were present at the meeting. Proposals received from the Governor’s Office were reviewed, and it was decided that these would be discussed in detail at the next Council meeting.
The Chief Minister proposed the introduction of an allowance for priests in tribal villages and emphasized giving special attention to the development and protection of tribal places of worship. It was also recommended that tribal rights and entitlements be documented in both Odia and English.
The Chief Minister stated that several welfare schemes for tribal communities are being implemented jointly by the Central and State Governments. He emphasized that tribal communities should not remain merely beneficiaries of schemes but should become partners in the state’s progress. He further stressed the need to focus not only on livelihoods and economic development of tribal people but also on respecting their religious beliefs and sentiments.
It was decided that the proposal regarding allowances for tribal priests and protection of worship sites would be examined in detail before taking a final decision. The meeting also resolved to promote eco-tourism in tribal areas and expand homestay facilities. Additionally, the Odisha-specific rules of relevant central laws will be reviewed through an inter-departmental committee and placed before the next Tribal Advisory Council meeting.
The Council also recommended introducing Arts and Commerce streams along with Science in Eklavya Model Residential Schools at the Class XI and XII levels.
The meeting was attended by SC & ST Development Minister Nityananda Gond, Keonjhar MP Anant Nayak, Nabarangpur MP Balabhadra Majhi, several MLAs who are Council members, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, and other senior officials.