Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Saturday asked the newly appointed members of the Special Development Councils (SDCs) to ensure that welfare measures reach the last person in society.
Addressing the chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of 23 SDCs, CM Majhi said the councils have a crucial role in preserving the heritage of Odisha’s 62 tribal communities while accelerating their socio-economic development.
“For us, politics is not a means of enjoying power but a means of serving the poorest person in the last row, which we call ‘Antyodaya’. All of you should work for the development of the tribal communities, who constitute nearly one-fourth of the state’s population,” he said.
The CM asked the SDC functionaries to remain patient while addressing local issues and raise them with district-level officials.
He assured them that the departments and ministers concerned would take appropriate steps to resolve the problems.
Urging the council members to maintain regular contact with people, Majhi said the government was making all necessary arrangements to ensure that SDCs function effectively at the district level.
“We believe in action, not words. Visit the field regularly, understand the people’s problems and work with the mindset of ‘Yes, We Can’. You will certainly succeed,” he said.
Describing tribal development as a top priority of his government, Majhi said the councils should work with determination to improve the socio-economic condition of tribal communities while preserving their distinct language, art and culture.
“The diversity of tribal art and culture has enriched the heritage of Odisha as well as the country,” he said.
Referring to Article 275(1) of the Constitution and various central and state government schemes for tribal welfare, the CM said inclusive implementation of these programmes would significantly advance tribal development in the state.
Majhi said Odisha has received Rs 18,371 crore under Article 275(1) of the Constitution for the development and welfare of tribal communities.
ST and SC Development Minister Nityanand Gand said the councils have been constituted to ensure that development reaches the grassroots and to preserve the art, culture and heritage of tribal communities for future generations.
