{"id":115708,"date":"2026-07-28T17:49:27","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T12:19:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=115708"},"modified":"2026-07-28T17:49:27","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T12:19:27","slug":"tribes-of-odisha","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/tribes-of-odisha\/","title":{"rendered":"Tribes of Odisha, Major Tribes, Culture, PVTGs, Safeguards, Schemes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Odisha is home to a large number of <\/span><b>tribal communities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, each with its own <\/span><b>unique culture, traditions, and way of life<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These tribes mainly live in forest and hilly regions and depend on <\/span><b>nature, agriculture, and forest resources<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for their livelihood. They have rich traditions of <\/span><b>dance, music, festivals, and handicrafts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which reflect their close connection with nature and community life. Some of the Major Tribes of Odisha are discussed in detail in this article.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Major Tribes of Odisha<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>Major Tribes of Odisha<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include several important tribal communities that are <\/span><b>discussed below<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, each having their own <\/span><b>distinct culture, language, lifestyle, and traditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and together they form an essential part of the state\u2019s <\/span><b>rich tribal heritage and diversity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Santals<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Santals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are one of the <\/span><b>largest tribal communities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Odisha and are mainly found in <\/span><b>Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> districts, where they form an important part of the local population.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They speak the <\/span><b>Santali language<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which belongs to the <\/span><b>Austroasiatic family<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and have a strong tradition of <\/span><b>oral storytelling and folklore<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their main occupation is <\/span><b>agriculture<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially <\/span><b>rice cultivation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, along with collection of <\/span><b>forest produce<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for daily needs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Santals are widely known for their <\/span><b>rich cultural life<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, particularly their <\/span><b>dance and music traditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which are closely linked to festivals and rituals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Popular dance forms like <\/span><b>Jhumar and Chhau<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are performed during celebrations, showing <\/span><b>community unity and joy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their festivals reflect a deep connection with <\/span><b>nature, seasons, and agricultural cycles<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, making their culture vibrant and community-oriented.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Gonds<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Gonds<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a significant tribal group mainly living in <\/span><b>Koraput, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, mostly in forested and hilly regions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They speak the <\/span><b>Gondi language<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is part of the <\/span><b>Dravidian language family<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and maintain strong <\/span><b>traditional practices<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traditionally, they are <\/span><b>forest dwellers and farmers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, depending on <\/span><b>agriculture, forest resources, and livestock<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for their livelihood.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their lifestyle shows a deep <\/span><b>respect for nature<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and they follow practices that support <\/span><b>sustainable use of forest resources<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gonds are highly skilled in <\/span><b>traditional arts and crafts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially <\/span><b>wood carving and painting<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which also reflect their cultural beliefs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their social life is simple yet deeply rooted in <\/span><b>customs, rituals, and close-knit community living<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Oraons<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Oraons<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are mainly found in <\/span><b>Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and Balangir<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> districts and are an important agricultural community.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their primary occupation is <\/span><b>farming<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially <\/span><b>rice cultivation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, along with seasonal labor and forest-based activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are known for their <\/span><b>colorful dances, folk music, and festivals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which play a key role in their social life.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Oraons follow <\/span><b>animistic beliefs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, meaning they <\/span><b>worship nature and natural forces<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like trees, rivers, and the earth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their important festival <\/span><b>Sarhul<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> celebrates <\/span><b>nature, new beginnings, and community bonding<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their culture reflects a strong sense of <\/span><b>tradition, spirituality, and harmony with nature<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Kondh (Konds)<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Kondh tribe<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is one of the <\/span><b>largest and most historically significant tribes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Odisha, mainly living in <\/span><b>Kandhamal, Gajapati, and Rayagada<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A special subgroup, the <\/span><b>Dongria Kondh<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, lives in the <\/span><b>Niyamgiri Hills<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and is known for <\/span><b>protecting forests and practicing horticulture<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They worship a local deity called <\/span><b>Penu<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, showing strong <\/span><b>religious beliefs and spiritual traditions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their major festival <\/span><b>Sohara<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> marks <\/span><b>seasonal changes and agricultural activities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, reflecting their dependence on nature.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kondhs are also known for their <\/span><b>historical resistance against British rule<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially against <\/span><b>forced land acquisition and taxes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their lifestyle highlights a deep connection with <\/span><b>land, forests, and traditional cultural values<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Saoras<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Saoras<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are an ancient tribal community mainly found in <\/span><b>Ganjam, Gajapati, and Rayagada<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, living close to hills and forests. They are classified as a <\/span><b>Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).<\/b><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They primarily depend on <\/span><b>agriculture<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially <\/span><b>millet cultivation and terrace farming<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, adapted to hilly terrain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Saoras are famous for their unique <\/span><b>ritual wall paintings called Idital<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which are <\/span><b>symbolic and connected to religious practices<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They follow <\/span><b>traditional beliefs and ancestor worship<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including practices like <\/span><b>Marang Buru<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their art, rituals, and daily life are closely linked, showing a strong <\/span><b>blend of culture, religion, and livelihood<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their traditions have been preserved over generations, maintaining their <\/span><b>distinct identity and heritage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Bondas<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Bonda tribe<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> lives in the remote <\/span><b>hill regions of Malkangiri district<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and is one of the most <\/span><b>isolated tribal groups<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Odisha.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are classified as a <\/span><b>Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> due to their <\/span><b>unique culture and limited interaction with the outside world<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bondas are well known for their <\/span><b>distinct traditional dress<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially <\/span><b>colorful bead necklaces and brass ornaments worn by women<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their society shows <\/span><b>matriarchal features<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where women often play a <\/span><b>dominant role in social and economic life<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They depend on <\/span><b>forest resources, small-scale farming, and local produce<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for their survival.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite modern influences, they have successfully preserved their <\/span><b>traditional lifestyle, customs, and strong cultural identity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Odisha<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are those tribal communities that are <\/span><b>extremely marginalized, isolated, and socio-economically backward<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> compared to other tribes, making them the <\/span><b>most disadvantaged section<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> within the tribal population.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These groups usually live in <\/span><b>remote, forested, and inaccessible areas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, often in <\/span><b>small and scattered settlements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which limits their access to <\/span><b>education, healthcare, and basic services<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their <\/span><b>traditional livelihoods<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> based on <\/span><b>hunting, gathering, and minor forest produce<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have become highly <\/span><b>vulnerable over time<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, mainly due to <\/span><b>encroachment by dominant tribal and non-tribal populations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on their natural resources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite the implementation of various <\/span><b>government welfare schemes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the <\/span><b>overall development outcomes have remained limited<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and many of these communities still face <\/span><b>poverty, malnutrition, and low literacy levels<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The identification of such groups began during the <\/span><b>5th Five Year Plan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, under the <\/span><b>Tribal Sub Plan (TSP)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> approach, where they were initially classified as <\/span><b>Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> based on specific criteria like <\/span><b>low population, pre-agricultural technology, and low literacy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Later, to adopt a more <\/span><b>sensitive and inclusive terminology<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, these groups were <\/span><b>re-designated as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by the Government of India to ensure <\/span><b>focused attention and targeted development interventions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In <\/span><b>Odisha<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which has one of the <\/span><b>highest numbers of PVTGs in India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the recognized groups include: <\/span><b>Birhor, Bondo, Chuktia Bhunjia, Didayi, Juang, Kharia, Dongria Khond, Kutia Khond, Lanjia Saora, Lodha, Mankidia, Paudi Bhuyan, and Saora<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These communities are now the focus of <\/span><b>special development programs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, aimed at improving their <\/span><b>livelihoods, health, education, and overall quality of life<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, while also <\/span><b>preserving their unique culture and identity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Constitutional Safeguards for the Tribes of Odisha<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Political and Administrative Safeguards<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Article 164<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ensures that Odisha has a <\/span><b>separate Minister for Tribal Welfare<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which helps in focused attention on tribal development and policy implementation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Article 330 &amp; Article 332<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provide <\/span><b>reservation of seats<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/lok-sabha\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Lok Sabha<\/b><\/a><b> and Odisha Legislative Assembly<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, ensuring their <\/span><b>political representation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and participation in decision-making.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/fifth-schedule\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Fifth Schedule<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> applies to <\/span><b>Scheduled Areas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Odisha and gives special powers to the <\/span><b>Governor<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to <\/span><b>restrict transfer of tribal land to non-tribals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and protect their interests.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It also provides for the formation of <\/span><b>Tribes Advisory Councils (TAC)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which advise the government on <\/span><b>tribal welfare and administration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in these areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Educational and Economic Safeguards<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Article 46<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> directs the state to promote the <\/span><b>educational and economic interests of Scheduled Tribes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and protect them from <\/span><b>social injustice and exploitation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Article 15(4)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> allows the government to make <\/span><b>special provisions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as <\/span><b>reservation in educational institutions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, for the advancement of tribal communities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Article 16(4)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ensures <\/span><b>reservation in public employment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, helping improve <\/span><b>job opportunities and economic security<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Various support measures like <\/span><b>scholarships, financial assistance, and welfare programs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> help reduce inequality and improve access to education.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Article 23 &amp; 24<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> protect tribal people from <\/span><b>forced labour (begar)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>child labour in hazardous industries<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, ensuring their <\/span><b>basic human rights and dignity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Grassroots and Cultural Governance<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Article 243D<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provides <\/span><b>reservation for Scheduled Tribes in <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/panchayati-raj-institutions\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Panchayati Raj Institutions<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, ensuring their participation in <\/span><b>local self-governance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>PESA Act, 1996<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) gives <\/span><b>Gram Sabhas (village assemblies)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> real power over <\/span><b>local resources, minor forest produce, and dispute resolution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This strengthens <\/span><b>grassroots democracy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and allows tribes to govern according to their <\/span><b>traditional practices and needs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It also helps in protecting <\/span><b>community ownership of resources<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and promoting <\/span><b>sustainable development<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Identification and Cultural Safeguards<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Article 342<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provides <\/span><b>official recognition of communities as Scheduled Tribes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, enabling them to access <\/span><b>constitutional benefits and protections<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Article 29<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> protects the <\/span><b>language, script, and culture<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of tribal communities, helping preserve their <\/span><b>unique identity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It also ensures that no citizen is denied admission to <\/span><b>state-funded educational institutions<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on grounds like <\/span><b>religion, caste, or language<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These provisions help maintain <\/span><b>cultural diversity and heritage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of tribal societies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><b>Institutional Mechanisms for Protection<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Article 338A<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> establishes the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/national-commission-for-scheduled-tribes-ncst\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>National Commission for Scheduled Tribes<\/b><\/a><b> (NCST)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which monitors and safeguards tribal rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Commission works to <\/span><b>investigate complaints, monitor safeguards, and advise the government<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on tribal welfare policies.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Article 275<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provides <\/span><b>grants-in-aid from the Union Government<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the development of <\/span><b>Scheduled Areas and tribal welfare programs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Forest Rights Act, 2006<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> recognizes the rights of tribal communities over <\/span><b>forest land and resources<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, supporting their <\/span><b>livelihood and traditional practices<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>SC\/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> protects tribal people from <\/span><b>violence, discrimination, and exploitation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, ensuring <\/span><b>legal protection and justice<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Key Government Schemes for Tribal Empowerment<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; This scheme focuses on holistic development of tribal villages by improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities, covering around 63,000 villages and benefiting over 5 crore tribal people.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/ekalavya-model-residential-schools\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Eklavya Model Residential Schools<\/b><\/a><b> (EMRS)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Provides quality residential education to tribal students from Class VI to XII, with modern facilities aimed at improving academic performance, skill development, and access to higher education.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/pm-janman-2\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan<\/b><\/a><b> (PM-JANMAN)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Targets Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by improving road connectivity, housing, electrification, healthcare, and basic services in remote tribal regions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Odisha Tribal Empowerment and Livelihoods Programme (OTELP \/ OTELP Plus)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> focuses on improving <\/span><b>food security, sustainable livelihoods, and natural resource management<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> among tribal communities in remote and backward areas, with support from <\/span><b>state government and international funding agencies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>National Overseas Scholarship for ST Students<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Enables meritorious tribal students to pursue higher education abroad, promoting global exposure and academic excellence.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/particularly-vulnerable-tribal-groups-pvtgs\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups<\/b><\/a><b> (PVTGs) Development Program<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Focuses on the most vulnerable tribal communities by improving access to healthcare, education, housing, and livelihood opportunities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Promotes research, documentation, and preservation of tribal culture, traditions, and languages while supporting policy development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Ensures coordinated efforts across ministries for tribal welfare, focusing on filling gaps in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>National Fellowship for ST Students<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Provides financial assistance for higher education and research through a transparent digital system, encouraging advanced studies among tribal students.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Offers concessional financial support to tribal individuals for self-employment and income-generating activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/trifed\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India<\/b><\/a><b> (TRIFED)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Promotes tribal products through marketing platforms, supporting artisans and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Aadi Mahotsav and Cultural Initiatives<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Organizes cultural festivals to showcase tribal heritage, promote handicrafts, and generate economic opportunities through cultural promotion.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Aims to develop tribal-majority villages by providing basic infrastructure such as roads, drinking water, and housing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/national-health-mission\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>National Health Mission<\/b><\/a><b> (NHM) &#8211; Tribal Focus<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Strengthens healthcare services in tribal areas, addressing major health issues and improving access to medical facilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tribes of Odisha include Santal, Gond, Kondh, Saora, Bonda and more. Learn about their culture, festivals, PVTGs, constitutional safeguards and government schemes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":115698,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[786],"tags":[5264,5265,5107,5108,9047],"class_list":["post-115708","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-general-studies","tag-governance","tag-governance-notes","tag-indian-polity","tag-indian-polity-notes","tag-tribes-of-odisha","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115708","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=115708"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115708\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":115719,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115708\/revisions\/115719"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/115698"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=115708"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=115708"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=115708"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}