BHUBANESWAR: The Centre has assured the State Government of all support for the welfare of tribals, particularly the primitive tribal groups (PTGs) besides strengthening the panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) in Odisha. Union Panchayati Raj and Tribal Affairs Minister V Kishore Chandra Deo after a meeting with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here on Monday informed mediapersons that he would like to assist the State Government in its initiative for the welfare of tribals. Stating that protection of tribal rights is the objective of his ministry, Deo said he would take up the matter relating to minimum support price (MSP) for minor forest produce with the Centre. The State had raised the issue during the meeting. On his part, Naveen informed Deo that the State Government had distributed three lakh pattas on forest land among the tribals. The process will be completed by December-end, he said adding that the State Government is way ahead of other states in the implementation of different provisions of the Forest Rights Act (FRA). The Odisha government on its part urged Deo to ensure that the tribal students get study loans easily for higher education. “We have also demanded sanction for opening of more residential schools for the tribal children and training centres for unemployed youths,” said a senior official of the Scheduled Tribe, Scheduled Caste Development Department. Opening of more schools for the tribal students, establishment of more B.Ed and CT training centres for them in the next five-year plan and increase in the budgetary allocation for setting up nursing and auxiliary nurse and midwife (ANM) training schools were discussed. The State Government sought more funds for opening of nurse and ANM training schools for tribals. The State Government sought funds for construction of buildings for panchayat institutions and appointment of more people. Secretaries of panchayati raj, forest and SC and ST Development departments were present.
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