BARIPADA (Odisha), June 19, 2025 — Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the holistic development of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Odisha, stating that the state’s progress hinges on uplifting communities that make up nearly 40% of its population.
Speaking at the state-level Adivasi Shakti Samavesh held at Chhau Field in Mayurbhanj’s Baripada, CM Majhi said:
“Tribal culture holds a special place in Odisha’s rich heritage. For Odisha to become a prosperous state by 2036, the development of SC and ST communities must be central to our vision.”
Tribal Empowerment Takes Centre Stage
Highlighting the increasing political representation of tribal communities, Majhi noted that Mayurbhanj district alone has seven tribal MLAs, and also proudly reminded the audience that President Droupadi Murmu hails from the same district.
The Chief Minister also elaborated on the Mukhyamantri Janajati Jivika Mission, a flagship livelihood scheme for tribal communities:
-
Over 1.45 lakh tribal families have benefited through agriculture, irrigation, and animal husbandry initiatives.
-
5,000 tribal youths have been given financial assistance of ₹1 lakh each to set up micro and small enterprises.
Major Allocations for Education and Culture
To further uplift marginalised communities, the CM announced:
-
A total allocation of ₹732.48 crore for the construction of:
-
83 new SC/ST hostels
-
23 hostels for Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
-
229 primary school hostels
-
-
The foundation stone has been laid for:
-
Adivasi Sanskriti O Aitihya Bhavan with a budget of ₹100 crore
-
Adivasi Bhasha Pratisthan with ₹50 crore earmarked
-
Criticism of Previous Government’s Performance
Taking a swipe at the previous BJD-led government, Majhi stated:
“Despite 24 years in power, there was no visible development in Odisha, especially in tribal-dominated regions.”
He promised that his administration would take corrective steps to ensure long-term, inclusive growth for every segment of society.
Event Focus and Dignitaries Present
The Adivasi Shakti Samavesh was organised by the ST and SC Development, Minorities, and Backward Classes Welfare Department, aiming to spotlight key challenges and opportunities within Odisha’s tribal communities.
Several notable leaders joined the CM at the event, including:
-
Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi
-
Mayurbhanj MP Naba Charan Majhi
-
Ministers Nityananda Gond, Krushnachandra Mohapatra, and Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia
Why This Matters
With the 2036 centenary of Odisha’s formation in sight, Majhi’s message at Baripada sets the tone for a development-focused tribal agenda, putting livelihood, education, and cultural preservation at the heart of state policy.
