Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards accelerating development in tribal-dominated areas, the Odisha government has constituted Special Development Councils (SDCs) in 23 districts and announced the names of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons for each council on Monday.
The Special Development Councils aim to strengthen grassroots governance, ensure targeted implementation of welfare schemes, and promote holistic development in tribal regions while preserving their unique socio-cultural identity, art, traditions, and heritage.
These councils will function as key district-level bodies responsible for planning, prioritizing, and executing development projects according to local needs. Once funds are released by the state government, the SDCs will decide on resource allocation and implementation of infrastructure, livelihood, and community development initiatives.
Here is the list of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons:
- Angul: Chairman – Basistha Nayak; Vice-Chairman – Surumani Chhatar
- Bolangir: Chairman – Ballav Dharua; Vice-Chairman – Jayanti Bhoi
- Balasore: Chairman – Bipin Marandi; Vice-Chairman – Jharana Singh
- Bargarh: Chairman – Gobardhan Bhoy; Vice-Chairman – Tilotama Bhue
- Boudh: Chairman – Damarudhar Kanhar; Vice-Chairman – Jharana Jani
- Deogarh: Chairman – Prashanta Kumar Behera; Vice-Chairman – Pramila Kisan
- Dhenkanal: Chairman – Nauri Singh; Vice-Chairman – Sebati Bhoi
- Gajapati: Chairman – Kamdev Badnayak; Vice-Chairman – Pankajini Dalai
- Ganjam: Chairman – Nilamadhab Patra; Vice-Chairman – Lalita Pradhan
- Jajpur: Chairman – Rajendra Kandulia; Vice-Chairman – Sani Jarika
- Jharsuguda: Chairman – Samal Naik; Vice-Chairman – Sanjukta Oram
- Kalahandi: Chairman – Bijay Kumar Disari; Vice-Chairman – Rina Bhoi
- Kandhamal: Chairman – Managobinda Pradhan; Vice-Chairman – Kaplana Kumari Kanhar
- Keonjhar: Chairman – Mamita Naik; Vice-Chairman – Manas Kumar Naik
- Koraput: Chairman – Bhagaban Muduli; Vice-Chairman – Sukanti Majhi
- Malkangiri: Chairman – Gangadhar Sodi; Vice-Chairman – Sabitri Padiami
- Mayurbhanj: Chairman – Dr. Budhan Murmu; Vice-Chairman – Koushalya Naik
- Nabarangpur: Chairman – Basanti Majhi; Vice-Chairman – Lingaraj Bhatra
- Nuapada: Chairman – Er. Homesingh Majhi; Vice-Chairman – Belamati Majhi
- Rayagada: Chairman – Bidyadhar Sabar; Vice-Chairman – Majula Miniaka
- Sambalpur: Chairman – Bhagindra Kisan; Vice-Chairman – Sushama Munda
- Sundargarh: Chairman – Santosh Kumar Amat; Vice-Chairman – Gangi Kindo
The formation of these Special Development Councils is expected to give a major boost to tribal development by ensuring focused planning and better implementation of government schemes at the grassroots level.
