Odisha to launch Rs 795-cr tribal welfare scheme

In a bid to raise the standard of living of the tribal population, the state government on Thursday announced of launching Rs 795-crore Odisha PVTG Empowerment and Livelihood Improvement Programme (OPELIP).

“To ensure livelihood to the Particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs), a special scheme OPELIP is going to be implemented soon with an overall outlay of Rs 795 crore,” Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said.

Over 62,000 PVTG families would be benefited from the OPELIP programme, Patnaik said, adding that the state government was committed to <g data-gr-id="18">provide</g> economic empowerment to the tribal population. There are at least 13 varieties of PVTGs in the state for whom 17 micro-projects were launched.

“For the OPELIP, we have taken up the matter with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for funding of the programme,” said Surendra Kumar, secretary of ST and SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare department.

Stating that education holds <g data-gr-id="16">key</g> to the development of tribal communities in the state, the CM said the literacy rate among tribes <g data-gr-id="15">have</g> reached 52% from 37%. Patnaik said performances of tribal students in the annual matriculation exam have also improved.