A high-level meeting of Odisha's Tribal Advisory Council (TAC), held on Tuesday, has charted a significant course for the development and empowerment of the state's tribal communities. The council, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, put forward a series of recommendations aimed at accelerating economic growth while preserving cultural and religious heritage.
Boosting Livelihoods Through Tourism and Education
The council made a pivotal decision to recommend the acceleration of eco-tourism initiatives in tribal areas and the promotion of homestays. This move is seen as a strategy to create sustainable livelihood opportunities by leveraging the natural and cultural assets of these regions. In the realm of education, the TAC recommended introducing arts and commerce streams alongside the existing science stream in classes XI and XII within Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). This expansion is intended to provide tribal students with a wider array of academic and career choices.
Protecting Heritage and Ensuring Rights
Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that alongside economic development, the government must pay special attention to the religious sentiments of tribal communities. He proposed before the council the provision of an honorarium for priests in tribal villages and a special focus on the development and protection of their places of worship. A definitive decision on these proposals is expected after a detailed study and discussion. Furthermore, to ensure clarity and accessibility of land rights, the council emphasized the importance of recording the record of rights for Scheduled Tribes in both Odia and English languages.
Structural Reforms and Community Inclusion
The meeting also addressed important administrative and legal frameworks. It was decided that an inter-departmental committee would properly examine and formulate Odisha-specific rules under the PESA Act (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act). The committee's recommendations will be presented at the next TAC meeting. In a move concerning community identity, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI) was directed to conduct a thorough study and submit recommendations for the inclusion of more communities in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. Proposals received from the Governor's office on related matters will also be examined.
Throughout the meeting, CM Majhi highlighted the various welfare schemes run by the central and state governments for tribal development. He asserted that for his government, tribal communities are not merely beneficiaries but active partners in the state's progress. The decisions taken mark a comprehensive approach, intertwining economic, educational, cultural, and legal measures for holistic tribal advancement in Odisha.
