Bhubaneswar, Odisha : A high-level review meeting was held at the Raj Bhavan, Bhubaneswar, chaired by Hon’ble Governor Dr. Raghubar Hari Babu Kambhampati, to evaluate the implementation of key welfare schemes for Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Minorities, and Backward Classes. Senior officials from the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department and Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department also participated.
Addressing the meeting, the Governor emphasized that officials must adopt a humane and empathetic approach while implementing welfare schemes for tribal communities. He stressed that schemes yield real benefits only when awareness reaches the grassroots. He instructed departments to prepare and distribute booklets explaining welfare initiatives, ensuring greater outreach.
The Governor also called for stronger efforts to expand social security coverage, urging cooperation from banks to facilitate access. He highlighted the importance of quality education for tribal students, including Eklavya Model Residential Schools, scholarships, and better infrastructure in government-run schools.
Key reviews included the Forest Rights Act (2006) implementation, minimum support prices for Minor Forest Produce, Article 275(1) grants, PM Janman Yojana, and the Dharati Aba Tribal Village Excellence Campaign. The Governor directed that all pending FRA applications be resolved within the next 90 days, underscoring the need for better coordination among departments.
He expressed concern over fake caste certificates and urged strict verification measures. Reviewing the marketing and auction of minor forest produce, the Governor stressed ensuring fair prices for tribals while eliminating middlemen. He also encouraged MSME units to be set up for value addition and processing of forest products.
Further, he underlined the importance of mobile connectivity in tribal areas, solar energy adoption in homes and institutions, and CSR-supported smart classrooms in schools.
Ministers Nityananda Gond (ST & SC Development) and Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia (Forest & Environment), along with senior officials, PCCFs, district officers, and nodal agencies, attended the review.
This comprehensive review reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable tribal welfare.
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