Organised by the Academy of Tribal Languages and Culture (ATLC) under the patronage of the ST & SC Development, M&BCW department, the event was attended by accomplished writers representing Santal, Bhumij, Munda and Binjhal communities.

Attending the inauguration ceremony, Roopa Roshan Sahoo, secretary, ST&SC Development, M&BCW Department, spoke on the objectives of the Writers Meet. The event aims at fostering direct interactions with tribal communities to understand their culture, art, science, languages, and sociocultural values, as expressed in the manuscripts created by tribal writers, she said.

Indramani Tripathy, Director, ST, and Member Secretary, ATLC, highlighted the government’s commitment to preservation and promotion of tribal languages and culture. Samarendra Bhutia, Assistant Director of ATLC, said the Academy has meticulously identified a substantial number of tribal writers with manuscripts in their respective languages.

The selection process is rigorous, guided by criteria such as cultural significance, linguistic importance, and the extent to which these works embody tribal knowledge. Manuscripts that meet these standards will have printed publications, while select pieces will be digitally preserved.

Damayanti Besra, a well-known personality in the field of education and writing, commended the government’s initiative for promotion of tribal cultures. Eminent writer Chaitanya Prasad Majhi also spoke. Sanjukta Moharana, Panchali Sahu and Bhagyarathi Panda coordinated the event while Paramananda Patel, coordinator, SAMHATI, extended a warm welcome to the tribal writers.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik advised the new officers to be proactive in ensuring the services reach the beneficiaries and be sensitive to people.

Congratulating the new officers for their success, the Odisha CM said that Welfare Extension Officers have a significant role at the grassroots level in enhancing the quality of life of a majority section of our state.

He further advised that while the officers need to work in a professional manner for the execution of various programmes, they have to proactively engage people in various endeavours. Besides, in all of their activities, they have to show enough sensitiveness in their public dealings, as the beneficiaries come mostly from underprivileged sections.

He hoped that the new officers are aware of the 5T initiatives following the principles of Technology, Teamwork, Transparency, and Time and ensure transformation happens all around.

Stating that this department is one of the most significant departments of my government, he said that the department looks into the development and welfare of about 75 per cent of people of the state belonging to communities from Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Minorities and Backward Class. It certainly has a huge responsibility in carrying forward the inclusive development goals of the state, he added.

Highlighting the flagship programmes, he said that apart from the ongoing livelihood programmes for Tribal people, his Government has also introduced Mukhya Mantri Jana-Jati Jeevika Mission.

He continued, it is one of the largest livelihood promotion initiatives directed specifically for tribal people with a budget allocation of Rs 500 Crore. The scheme will provide support to 1.5 lakh tribal households in 121 blocks of the State over a period of three years starting from 2022-23.

He further said that education is an essential element for socio-economic upliftment. We are modernising schools, building hostels, and enhancing scholarships for tribal students. Besides, he specified, from this year, we have decided to pay one-time financial assistance of up to Rs. 50 thousand to needy ST-SC students pursuing degree education. Odisha is also considered a leading State in the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, he added. He wished the new officers a bright career ahead.

Speaking on the occasion, ST, SC Development Department Minister Jagannath Saraka highlighted the achievements of his department in the development of ST, SC people. He called upon the young officers to work with a commitment to the welfare of people.

Two new officers Binirani Soren, and Bijay Kumar Agasti, sharing their experiences, said that appreciated the citizen-centric governance, and committed themselves to the 5T principles of governance.

Development Commissioner Anu Garg said that the young officers are joining the govt at a very promising time when Odisha has ushered in an era of transformation. She asked the officers to maintain integrity at all costs.

Commissioner-cum-secretary of ST, SC Development Department Roopa Roshan Sahu, in her introductory address, said that this department serves the poorest of the poor. She expected the new officers to work with earnestness following the principle of 5T.