Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at empowering tribal communities and preserving indigenous languages, the Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, approved five proposals spanning two departments. The decisions, outlined by Ministers Sudam Marndi and Jagannath Saraka, Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena, and Principal Secretary of the ST & SC Development department Roopa Roshan Sahu, are expected to impact approximately one crore tribal people in the state.
1. Laghu Bana Jatiya Drabya Kraya (LABHA) Scheme:
- The government announces a new scheme, LABHA, for the development of tribals.
- LABHA focuses on fair, transparent, and timely procurement of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) to benefit over 30,000 primary collectors and 1,000 Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) in 119 blocks across 14 predominantly tribal districts.
- The scheme ensures 100% state-funded Minimum Support Price (MSP) for MFP, with annual determination by the government.
- Primary collectors, mainly tribals, can sell MFP at MSP through procurement centers managed by SHGs and other agencies, receiving a 2% commission.
- The government plans to establish a Rs 25 crore tamarind processing plant in Rayagada under the LABHA scheme.
2. Commission for Preservation and Promotion of Tribal Languages:
- The Cabinet approved the establishment of a commission to preserve and promote 21 tribal languages in Odisha.
- The commission aims to encourage multilingual education, document and preserve tribal languages, promote their use, protect linguistic rights, and contribute to the development of tribal languages.
- The commission consists of members appointed based on their contributions to tribal language preservation, government officials, domain experts, and tribal community representatives.
- The commission will have the powers of a Cabinet Minister and will play a crucial role in evaluating, monitoring, and recommending measures for the protection and promotion of tribal languages.
3. Withdrawal of Amendment to Odisha Scheduled Areas Transfer of Immovable Property Regulation:
- The Cabinet decided to withdraw a previous decision to amend the Odisha Scheduled Areas Transfer of Immovable Property (by Scheduled Tribes) Regulation, 1956.
4. Inclusion of 169 Communities in ST List:
- A resolution for the inclusion of 169 communities in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) list of Odisha was passed by the Cabinet.
These decisions underscore the state’s commitment to the holistic development and empowerment of tribal communities, acknowledging the importance of language preservation and equitable economic opportunities. The moves are poised to have a positive impact on the social, cultural, and economic landscape of tribal regions in Odisha.
