Why is it in the news?
- The Odisha government recently unveiled comprehensive measures aimed at enhancing the welfare of the tribal population.
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LABHA Yojana (Laghu Bana Jatya Drabya Kraya Yojana)
- The primary aim of LABHA Yojana is to provide a safety net for tribal communities engaged in collecting minor forest produce (MFP) by ensuring a fair price for their goods.
- By instituting a 100% State-funded minimum support price (MSP) scheme, the government aims to stabilize the income of tribal individuals who rely on MFP collection as a livelihood.
- Under the scheme, tribal individuals, who are often primary collectors of MFP, gain the ability to sell their produce directly. This eliminates the need for intermediaries or middlemen, ensuring that more of the profits from their labour stay within the community.
- The Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation Limited of Odisha (TDCCOL) plays a crucial role in facilitating the procurement process. Procurement centres, managed by Self Help Groups (SHGs) and other designated agencies, provide infrastructure and support for efficient collection and sale of MFP.
- By integrating with Mission Shakti’s Women SHGs, the initiative not only promotes economic empowerment among tribal women but also fosters community solidarity and self-reliance.
Commission for the Preservation and Promotion of Tribal Languages
- Efforts to promote the use of tribal languages and protect linguistic rights are essential for ensuring the dignity and identity of tribal communities.
- Inclusion of tribal languages in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution not only acknowledges their importance but also facilitates official recognition and support for their preservation and promotion.
- The commission adopts a multifaceted approach to language preservation and promotion, focusing on education, documentation, preservation, and advocacy.
- By documenting and preserving tribal languages, the commission contributes to the safeguarding of indigenous cultural heritage and knowledge systems.
| Tribal Population in Odisha
· Odisha’s diverse tribal landscape, comprising 62 distinct tribes and 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG), reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the state. · With Scheduled Tribes constituting over two-thirds of the tribal population in the state, their socio-economic well-being is of paramount importance for overall development. · Scheduled Tribes in Scheduled Areas make up about 68.09% of Odisha’s total tribal population, positioning it as the third-largest concentration nationally after Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. · Additionally, Odisha boasts a rich linguistic diversity with 21 distinct tribal languages spoken throughout the state. |
