BHUBANESWAR: The government of Odisha has taken a significant step to support ST/SC students from underprivileged backgrounds who are pursuing general degree courses in government institutions. Starting this year, they will receive a one-time financial assistance of Rs 50,000.

This announcement was made by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during a meeting of the Tribes Advisory Council held on Tuesday. Chief Minister Patnaik emphasized that his government has been consistently working towards improving the socio-economic conditions and fulfilling the educational needs of tribal communities. The focus areas include education, livelihood, and protection of their rights.

To promote, protect, and preserve tribal culture, traditions, heritage, and identity, the government has established Special Development Councils (SDCs) in collaboration with tribal people. This year, the program has expanded to include 172 blocks in 23 districts, benefiting over 84 lakh tribal individuals.

Chief Minister Patnaik highlighted the importance of education for socio-economic upliftment and acknowledged that Odisha is one of the leading states in providing residential facilities to tribal students. Currently, hostel facilities are available to over 6 lakh students from 4.2 lakh households in 1735 schools managed by the SC, ST Development department. Over the past 20 years, the number of high schools under this department has nearly doubled, increasing from 215 to 422. Additionally, 62 higher secondary schools have been established.

Odisha has gained recognition as a pioneering state in implementing the Forest Rights Act. In order to secure the right to hold and live in forest land for eligible ST forest dwellers, the state has introduced a new scheme called 'Mo Jungle Jami Yojana.' This initiative aims to ensure community rights over forest land.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Patnaik announced the launch of a state-funded scheme called Mukhya Mantri Jeevika Mission, which is one of the largest tribal livelihood promotion initiatives. With a budget allocation of Rs 500 crore, this scheme will provide support to 1.5 lakh tribal households in 121 tribal sub-plan (TSP) blocks of the state over a three-year period from 2022-23 to 2025-26.

The state has also submitted a proposal to the union government for the expansion of the Odisha PVTG Empowerment & Livelihoods Improvement Programme. The plan aims to implement its initiatives in 1,138 newly notified PVTG villages for a period of seven years starting from 2024-25.

The Odisha government's commitment to empowering ST/SC students and improving the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities is evident through these comprehensive initiatives.

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