Hindu Editorial Analysis : 1-August-2023
The vision of inclusive growth and community-led development is not just an idea, but a practical strategy for Odisha, driven by its 5T (transparency, technology, teamwork, time-limit, leading to transformation) development model. With India having 8.6% tribal population, it is crucial to recognize the enormous indigenous knowledge possessed by these communities. By integrating their traditional practices into mainstream development, Odisha can find sustainable solutions to various challenges, such as falling agricultural productivity, soil quality degradation, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, pollution, and climate change.
The Richness of Tribal Culture
Tribal communities in India have a unique way of life deeply connected to nature. Their culture revolves around communal living, strong spiritual beliefs, and traditional arts and crafts. However, as modernization advances, the distinctiveness of tribal cultures is at risk of fading away, overshadowed by globalized norms.
Government Initiatives for Tribal Culture Conservation
The Government of India, through organizations like TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India), has taken various initiatives to conserve and promote tribal culture:
- Sankalp Se Siddhi – Mission Van Dhan: Establishing Van Dhan Vikas Kendras and Haat Bazaars to support tribal livelihoods.
- Tribes India Outlets: Showcasing tribal products with specific geographical indications.
- Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs): Covering housing, land distribution, agricultural development, and more.
- Support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) and Tribal Festivals: Enhancing research and mass education about tribal culture.
- Scholarships and Vocational Training: Empowering tribal youth with education and skills for better socio-economic conditions.
- Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP): Ensuring fair prices and value chains for MFP gatherers.
Issues & Challenges
Despite government initiatives, the challenge lies in striking a balance between development and cultural preservation. Many schemes tend to have a one-size-fits-all approach, neglecting the unique cultural contexts of tribal communities.
The Odisha Special Development Councils (SDCs) Initiative
In 2017, Odisha took a significant step towards preserving tribal culture and promoting economic development by launching the Special Development Councils (SDCs) initiative. The focus is on conserving the culture and heritage of 62 tribes under one umbrella while continuing with economic development in the regions.
SDC’s Model
The SDC model identifies and promotes important cultural markers of tribal identity. Some key aspects of this model include:
- Language Preservation: Recognizing language as an essential marker of culture, the initiative emphasizes the use and propagation of over 22 diverse tribal languages in Odisha. Tribal proficiency centers have been established to educate frontline workers about tribal culture and dialect.
- Sacred Groves Conservation: More than 4,500 sacred groves have been conserved, holding immense cultural and conservation value for tribal populations. Resource extraction in these groves is strictly prohibited.
- Artisan ID Cards: Over 40,000 tribal artisans have been issued artisan ID cards, preserving culture and enabling employment opportunities.
- Tribal Resource Centers: More than 50 Tribal Resource Centers have been constructed for efficient knowledge transfer.
Preserving All Tribes
The SDC model ensures the preservation of the culture and tradition of small tribal groups, giving them a role in decision-making processes. The councils represent not only major tribes but also the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), making them truly representative of the community.
Why In News
The vision of inclusive growth and community-led development is not merely a conceptual notion but a well-structured and implementation-focused strategy, exemplifying Odisha’s commitment to its 5T (transparency, technology, teamwork, time-limit, leading to transformation)-driven development model. By empowering local communities and leveraging cutting-edge technology, this transformative approach seeks to ensure sustainable progress and prosperity for all residents of Odisha.
MCQs about Preserving Tribal Culture for Inclusive Growth
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What is the primary focus of Odisha’s development model?
A) Industrialization and urbanization
B) Inclusive growth and community-led development
C) Technological advancement and digitalization
D) Privatization and foreign investments
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What is the main challenge faced in preserving tribal culture?
A) Lack of financial support from the government
B) Resistance from tribal communities to modernization
C) One-size-fits-all approach in development initiatives
D) Cultural conflict among different tribal groups
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What is the objective of the Odisha Special Development Councils (SDCs) initiative?
A) Promoting economic growth at the cost of tribal culture
B) Fostering cooperation between different tribal groups
C) Preserving tribal culture while promoting economic development
D) Imposing government control on tribal communities
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