Having remained at the margins of development due to lopsided development models and an insensitive administration, a section of tribals in Odisha of late have started to become economically empowered following some innovative initiatives were taken by the government. The Forest Rights Act which was fundamental to ensure the rights of tribals over their traditional habitats and secure for them a sustainable livelihood- is now being implemented effectively in conjunction with other poverty alleviation schemes, which has resulted in diversification of livelihood options. In fact, Odisha has emerged as the no 1 state in the country in the distribution of title rights for which the state government must be complimented. The focus on vulnerable tribal groups amongst which malnutrition and infant mortality was high has resulted in more tribals accessing the benefits of social security and food security.
Along with the present initiatives which are ameliorative and palliative in nature, the government has to ensure that educational and healthcare infrastructure is improved in those areas which can provide an effective antidote to illiteracy and diseases which are the bane of the tribal society. We are optimistic that the lot of tribals will improve in coming days and the government has to be vigilant that no human error becomes a constraint towards it.
