Bhubaneswar: Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram emphasied implementation of more pro-people programmes across Odisha by the ST, SC Development Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department and asked the officials to stress on vocational courses to ensure livelihood opportunities and preserving the unique tribal linguistic identity.
While holding a brief review meeting on the affairs of the department at the State Guest House early this morning, the Union Minister suggested to carry out a detailed mapping of schools across Odisha as density-wise there is a disparity. There should be equitable availability of the educational institutions for the disadvantageous groups and communities, he added.
Stressing on the upgradation of the senior secondary schools into degree colleges to enable the tribal students avail opportunity, he asked to ensure coaching facilities and include more vocational courses for tribal students after Class X or +2.
The Union Minister also asked the Department officials to regularly monitor the execution of various infrastructure development works in Odisha.
Among others, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department Roopa Roshan Sahoo and all senior officials were present. They briefed the Union Minister about their respective domains, projects and programmes.
Preserving Linguistic Identity
While reviewing the works of the SC, ST Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI) and Academy of Tribal Languages and Culture (ATLC), the Union Minister gave emphasis on preservation, documentation and publication of multi-lingual books so that more and more persons from the original tribal communities could be benefitted.