According to the information, the Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik, on Sunday announced to creation of 14 special development councils for the preservation and propagation of tribal culture and unique identity of all tribal groups in different districts of the state.Reportedly, the number of special development councils has increased from 9 to 23, after the formation of the new councils. These new districts include Anugol, Balangir, Balswar, Bargarh, Boudh, Devgarh, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Nayagarh and Sambalpur.Reportedly, 64 lakh people in over 117 blacks of 9 districts of Odisha were involved in the special development councils and after the addition, now it will be implemented in 23 districts with 172 blocks. Notably, the state government will spend Rs 233 crore on the programme in the current financial year.More than 80 lakh tribal members would take part in this scheme for the preservation and advancement of their art and culture, according to the chief minister. The chief minister went on to explain tribal culture, saying, “Tribal culture has a deep tie with Jagannath culture. It emphasises that the major tenets of tribal culture are the preservation of the natural world, environmental worship, and fraternity.”CM Patnaik also stated that art and culture have an important role in the definition of development. He also emphasized that special development councils have been formed to preserve the art and culture. While praising the tribal people, he said that people from the community have contributed in all fields, including politics, literature, culture and language. “I am proud of them,” CM added.It is noteworthy that, in 2017, Odisha, led by chief minister Naveen Patnaik, was the only state to create a special development council in order to safeguard the distinctive culture of tribal people. Preservation of sacred trees of tribal people, formation of cultural clubs, and organisation of cultural programmes, were among the several programs that were adopted under this.
