Indian Grameen Services

Odisha
Odisha PVTG Empowerment & Livelihood Improvement Programme (OPELIP)

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In 12 districts of Odisha

INTRODUCTION

In Odisha, IGS works mainly with tribal families in the rural areas to enhance their livelihoods in a sustainable manner. Therefore, it focuses on tribal dominated districts like Mayurbhanj. The major focus is on Integrated Natural Resource Management in forest landscapes where community institutions have to be strengthened for ensuring sustainability of outcomes and impact.

These 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) have been spread over 12 Districts in the State namely, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Angul, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Gajapati and Ganjam. The PVTG in Odisha include Bonda, Chukti Bhunjia, Didayi, Dangria Kandha, Juang, Hill-Kharia, Kutia Kandha, LanjiaSaora, Lodha, Mankiridia, Paudi Bhuyan and Saora.

The Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are considered as a special category in view of their distinctly different social, cultural and occupational practices and traits. Primitive Tribes are distinguished from other tribal communities with regard to their pre-agricultural economy, extremely low level of literacy, isolated habitation etc. During the Fifth Five-Year plan, it was decided by the Government of India to plan and implement specific programmes focused on all-round development of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribes (PVTGs). The programmes were mainly addressed to deliver packages of services consistent with their cultural, social, educational and occupational background with a view to facilitate them to gradually align themselves with the mainstream of society and enhance their social and economic status. These programmes have expanded with the passage of time with greater thrust. The PVTG are distinguished from other tribal communities for their pre-agricultural economy, low levels of literacy, isolated habitations and other characteristics.