Naveen Patnaik demands ST status for 169 tribal communities

Naveen Patnaik, President of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, has renewed his demand for the inclusion of 169 tribal communities into the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list.

Speaking at a function held at the BJD headquarters in Bhubaneswar on World Indigenous Peoples Day, Patnaik emphasized that his party remains committed to fighting for the rights, dignity, and cultural identity of these communities. He noted that during his tenure as Chief Minister, the state government had already submitted a proposal to the central government regarding this inclusion.

Patnaik highlighted various initiatives implemented by the BJD government to empower tribal populations, including the establishment of thousands of hostels, the 'Anwesha' program for higher education, and granting panchayats the right to collect minor forest produce. He also pointed to the Special Development Councils (SDCs) established in 23 districts as a key model for preserving tribal art, culture, and sacred sites while promoting economic development.