Paperman Media ( Bhubaneswar )- Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on Monday stressed the need for the inclusive and dignified development of the State's Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), saying the vision of Viksit Odisha and Viksit Bharat can be realised only when every citizen, particularly those on the margins, progresses with confidence, dignity and equal opportunity.
Addressing the conclave on "Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Odisha – Way Ahead" at New Abhisek Hall in Lok Bhavan, the Governor said the holistic development of PVTGs is not merely a social responsibility but a national imperative. Their empowerment, he said, would strengthen Odisha's contribution to India's journey towards inclusive and sustainable development.
The conclave, jointly organised by the Tribal Cell of Lok Bhavan and SCSTRTI, brought together policymakers, academicians, researchers, representatives of voluntary organisations, officials and beneficiaries from PVTG communities to deliberate on strategies for their socio-economic development and cultural preservation. First Lady Jayashree Kambhampati also attended the programme.
Highlighting Odisha's unique tribal heritage, Dr. Kambhampati noted that the State is home to 13 PVTGs—the highest among all States in the country. These communities, he said, possess rich traditions, indigenous knowledge, vibrant art forms, distinct languages and a harmonious relationship with nature. While ensuring better access to education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods and basic infrastructure, equal emphasis must be placed on preserving their cultural identity and traditional way of life.
The Governor cited the achievement of Champa Raspeda of the Didayi community from Malkangiri, who became the first girl from her community to qualify NEET and secure admission to Fakir Mohan Medical College and Hospital, Balasore. Calling her success a symbol of hope, he said it demonstrated how talent could flourish when supported by quality education and opportunity. He expressed confidence that many more youth from PVTG communities would excel in fields such as science, medicine, administration, entrepreneurship, sports and the arts.
Commending the efforts of the Central and State governments, Dr. Kambhampati said sustained initiatives have considerably improved access to education, healthcare, livelihoods, connectivity and social security for PVTGs while safeguarding their traditional rights and heritage.
The Governor also lauded the Tribal Cell of Lok Bhavan for publishing the Tribal Photo Essay Book Series and released the "Socio-Cultural, Demographic, Nutrition and Health Status of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Odisha: A Technical Report”."
During his interaction with participants, Dr. Kambhampati enquired about the implementation of various welfare schemes, including PM-JANMAN and the Jal Jeevan Mission, besides discussing the availability of health and education facilities for PVTGs. He also stressed the need to create greater awareness among tribal communities about Central and State welfare schemes so that eligible beneficiaries can fully avail themselves of government support.
Expressing confidence that the recommendations emerging from the conclave would help shape future policies and programmes, the Governor urged all stakeholders to work collectively to ensure that development and cultural preservation progress hand in hand.
The conclave comprised two technical sessions, during which participants watched audio-visual presentations on Odisha's PVTGs, held group discussions on issues concerning each of the State's 13 PVTGs and presented their recommendations. Around 40 PVTG beneficiaries, representatives from universities, NGOs, SCSTRTI officials and senior officials of Lok Bhavan took part in the deliberations.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Governor Dr. Roopa Roshan Sahoo coordinated the conclave.
