Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi presided over a meeting of the Tribal Advisory Council (TAC) on Tuesday, which recommended boosting homestays and eco-tourism in tribal regions. The chief minister outlined many social programs for tribal development that are being carried out by the federal and state governments. According to him, the government views indigenous groups as participants in the advancement of the state rather than just recipients of programs.
Majhi stated that indigenous people’s religious beliefs need to be given special consideration in addition to their means of subsistence and economic advancement. In front of the council, he suggested paying priests in tribal settlements an honorarium and giving special attention to the preservation and growth of their houses of worship. He said that after thorough research and deliberation, a firm decision will be made. The documentation of STs’ rights in both Odia and English was emphasized.
Similarly, it was decided that through an inter-departmental committee, Odisha-specific rules under the PESA Act would be properly examined and recommendations placed before the next TAC meeting It was also recommended to introduce arts and commerce streams along with science in classes XI and XII in Eklavya model residential schools. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute was directed to carry out a proper study and submit recommendations in the next meeting for inclusion of more communities in the ST category. Proposals received from the governor’s office will also be studied.
