Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Monday underscored 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 achieved only when the most marginalised communities progress with confidence, dignity and equal opportunities.
Addressing the conclave on “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Odisha – Way Ahead” at Lok Bhavan, the Governor said the holistic development of PVTGs is both a social responsibility and a national priority. He noted that empowering these communities would strengthen Odisha’s contribution to India’s inclusive and sustainable development.
Highlighting Odisha’s rich tribal heritage, Kambhampati said the State is home to 13 PVTGs—the highest among all States—and stressed that efforts to improve education, healthcare, livelihoods and infrastructure must go hand in hand with preserving their languages, traditions and cultural identity.
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. He described her success as an example of the transformative impact of education and expressed confidence that more PVTG youth would excel across diverse fields with adequate support.
He also commended the Centre and the Odisha government for expanding access to education, healthcare, connectivity, livelihoods and social security for PVTGs while safeguarding their traditional rights and heritage.
During the event, Kambhampati released the technical report titled “Socio-Cultural, Demographic, Nutrition and Health Status of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Odisha” and appreciated the Tribal Cell of Lok Bhavan for publishing the Tribal Photo Essay Book Series.
Interacting with participants, the Governor reviewed the implementation of welfare initiatives, including PM-JANMAN and the Jal Jeevan Mission, and stressed the need to create greater awareness about government schemes to ensure eligible beneficiaries receive their entitlements.
The conclave, jointly organised by the Tribal Cell of Lok Bhavan and the SCSTRTI, featured technical sessions, audio-visual presentations and group discussions on all 13 PVTGs of Odisha. Around 40 PVTG beneficiaries, along with representatives of universities, NGOs, researchers and government officials, participated and submitted recommendations for future policy interventions. Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Governor Roopa Roshan Sahoo coordinated the programme.
