Bhubaneswar: The formation of Special Development Council (SDC) is a historic initiative of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, said 5T Secretary VK Pandian on Saturday.
While discussing the various programs of SDCs of nine tribal districts with the Collectors and SDC chairpersons through video conferencing, the 5T Secretary explained the purpose and vision of the Chief Minister for setting up the Special Development Council.
He said that the formation of Special Development Council is a historic initiative of the Chief Minister. Tribal language is unique, their art is unique. Therefore, it is the aim of the Chief Minister to preserve their culture through the Special Development Council, the 5T Secretary said.
Pandian said that preserving the tribal culture and maintaining its uniqueness will inspire future generations.
He advised the SDC to prepare a ‘Tribal Cultural Calendar’ for the promotion of tribal culture. The calendar will mention the details of community festivals, tribal sports events, tribal festivals and other events.
During the discussion, Pandian informed that the Chief Minister has sanctioned an additional grant of Rs. 175.5 crore for the Special Development Council.
Participating in the discussion, Commissioner-Cum-Secretary of ST & SC Development Department Roopa Roshan Sahoo said that various programs have been taken up by the SDC for the protection of tribal culture and traditions. She informed about the construction of sacred places of worship, providing financial incentives to various cultural organizations involved in cultural programs, providing them with dance costumes and various types of musical instruments, etc.
Director, ST Indramani Tripathy was present along with District Collectors of 9 tribal dominated districts. Tribal groups of all these districts also participated in the discussion.