Odisha Leads in Implementation of Forest Rights Act: Naveen

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has been a pioneering state in providing tribals their rightful entitlements. The State is committed to the promotion and preservation of tribal culture through various developmental programs and empowerment of the tribal communities, said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here today.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the Capacity Building Programme for Tribal PRI Members, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik highlighted the various steps taken by the government that have resulted in development of tribals in true sense.

He said, “Odisha is number one state in the entire Country in the implementation of Forest Rights Act by giving titles to more than 4.36 Lakh persons dwelling in forest areas”.

The Chief Minister said that his government is always committed to the promotion and preservation of tribal culture and heritage. The Special Development Councils, set up by the State Government have been playing a critical role in this regard.

He said, In Odisha, our tribal population is close to one crore. The State Government has undertaken various steps for the socio-economic and educational empowerment of the tribal communities. As many as 6700 hostels and 1731 schools have been established to provide quality education to more than six lakh students”.

Mission Suvidya has been initiated to ensure quality standards in all the hostels thereby setting high benchmarks. Education opens the path of opportunities. So, our objective is to empower the tribals through education, the CM said.

Mission Jeebika has been successful in promoting livelihoods and already about 23000 tribal households have been covered to provide sustainable economic upliftment, he added.

The Chief Minister also hailed the initiative to launch the Capacity Building Programme for Tribal PRI Members and said that it will go a long way in empowering the Tribal PRI members to discharge their responsibilities more effectively.