New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: A delegation led by Koraput MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka met President Droupadi Murmu to press for two long-pending demands critical to Odisha’s tribal communities: the restoration of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the Jhodia community and the inclusion of the Soura language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
The delegation, comprising tribal representatives, intellectuals, and social activists, highlighted the historical injustices faced by the Jhodia community and the urgent need to protect and promote the Soura language through constitutional recognition.
The Jhodia community, primarily residing in Koraput, Kalahandi, and Rayagada districts, was historically considered a synonym of the Paroja tribe and enjoyed ST benefits until 1997.
However, their exclusion from the ST list has resulted in severe socio-economic hardships. Despite multiple recommendations from the Odisha government, including official requests from the Governor, Chief Minister, and Chief Secretary to the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, no action has been taken.
The delegation urged President Murmu to intervene and ensure the immediate restoration of ST status, enabling the Jhodia community to regain access to education, employment, and welfare schemes.
A signature campaign in Rayagada district saw over 15,000 signatures collected in support of the demand, which was submitted to the President.
The Soura language, spoken by over 500,000 tribals across Odisha and neighboring states, has a rich heritage and its own script, Sorang Sompeng.
However, its absence from the 8th Schedule denies it official recognition, government support, and preservation efforts.
The delegation emphasized that its inclusion in the 8th Schedule would allow for official publications, educational programs in the language, government funding for linguistic development, and cultural preservation initiatives.
A separate signature campaign garnered over 10,000 signatures, including support from Tripura, reinforcing the widespread demand for constitutional recognition.
Presenting detailed representations, official documents, and the collected signatures, the delegation urged the Government of India to take swift action on these long-overdue demands.
“We cannot allow these issues to be ignored any longer. The Jhodia community deserves justice, and the Soura language must be preserved for future generations,” MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka asserted.
The delegation included Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, MP from Koraput and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj; Satyajeet Gomango, MLA from Gunupur; Ramprasad Gamanga from Babuli Nagar, Gunupur, Rayagada; Ketan Sabar from Ghanantri village, Gunupur Block, Rayagada; Wairumpi Sabar from Khaira village, Gunupur Block, Rayagada; Nilakantha Jhodia from Puhundi village, Kashipur Block, Rayagada; Sandu Charan Majhi from Maliguda village, Kashipur Block, Rayagada; and Aniruddha Jhodia from Peringini village, Andrakanch, Kashipur Block, Rayagada.
The delegation’s efforts mark a significant step in securing tribal rights and linguistic preservation in Odisha, as they now await the government’s response.
