Odisha CM Expands ‘Special Development Councils’ In 14 Districts For Preserving Tribal Culture

Earlier, the Special Development Councils (SDCs) were launched in nine districts, and with the formation of the new councils, the number of special development councils has increased from nine to 23

Written By: Devyani Madaik |

May 15, 2023

Odisha CM Expands 'Special Development Councils' In 14 Districts For Preserving Tribal Culture

The SDCs are formed to preserve the tribal culture and propagate the unique identity of all tribal groups in different districts of the state

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched special development councils (SDCs) on Sunday (May 14) in 14 districts of the state for the preservation and propagation of tribal culture and the unique identity of all tribal groups in different districts of the state. The development was announced by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday (May 14).

The new SDCs have been set up in the districts of Angul, Bolangir, Balasore, Bargarh, Boudh, Deogarh, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Nayagarh, and Sambalpur. Earlier, the SDCs were launched in nine districts, and with the formation of the new councils, the number of special development councils has increased from nine to 23.

Earlier, 64 lakh people in 117 blocks of nine districts in Odisha were involved in the special development councils, and now it will be implemented in 172 blocks of 23 districts. For this, the state government will spend 223 crore rupees in the financial year 2023–24.

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Around 80 lakh tribals in 172 blocks of the 14 districts will be the beneficiaries of the SDCs. The state government will spend Rs 273 crore for the development of tribal culture, according to the news agency PTI. Further elaborating on tribal culture, CM Patnaik said,

Tribal culture has a deep connection with Jagannath culture. It emphasises the protection of nature and the environment, and worship of nature and brotherhood are the main basis of tribal culture.

The CM said that art and culture have always played a significant role in the development of any community, and hence, a special Development Council has been formed to preserve their art and culture. The CM further added,

From politics to literature, culture, language, and politics, tribal people have contributed in all fields. They have glorified Odisha’s culture. I am proud of them.

In 2017, Odisha was the only state under the leadership of Chief Minister Patnaik to protect the unique culture of tribals by forming a special development council. Many programmes have been adopted in this area, such as the preservation of sacred trees by tribal people, the formation of cultural clubs, the organisation of cultural programmes, etc.

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(With inputs from ANI and PTI)

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