Tribal Special Development Councils non-functional in Odisha, say vice-chairpersons
The SDCs were established in 23 districts of Odisha to strengthen tribal identity by preserving the culture and heritage of 64 tribal communities with an estimated population of 84 lakh
Six months after their appointment, vice-chairpersons of 23 Special Development Councils (SDCs) in Odisha's tribal areas report their councils are unable to function properly due to administrative difficulties. In a joint memorandum to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, they requested the issuance of powers and operational guidelines to facilitate smooth functioning.
The vice-chairpersons also highlighted the absence of essential staff such as an executive assistant, computer operator, office assistant, accountant, and attendant, and requested private vehicles until official ones are provided. They sought permission to access the State Secretariat and obtain vehicle passes for government office visits.
The SDCs, established to preserve the culture and heritage of Odisha's 64 tribal communities, were set up by the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government and expanded to 23 councils covering 172 blocks with an estimated population of 84 lakh. Despite the new vice-chairpersons' appointment in April 2026, the councils remain largely non-functional due to administrative hurdles.
Tribal leader Naveen Patnaik criticized the Odisha BJP government for neglecting tribal welfare schemes, including the SDCs.
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