Caste and Tribes of Odisha

Learning Outcomes:

1. Gain an understanding of the demographic distribution of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Odisha.
2. Learn about major tribal groups and their distinct cultural practices.
3. Understand the geographical areas classified as Scheduled Areas in Odisha.
4. Familiarize with various welfare initiatives and development programs for SCs and STs in Odisha.

The ST and SC Development and Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department serves as the nodal agency for the overall development of SCs and STs in Odisha. As per the Census 2011, Odisha ranks 3rd in terms of ST population and 11th in SC population in India.

Scheduled Tribes in Odisha

Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Odisha are recognized as indigenous people by the Constitution of India. The majority of the ST population resides in rural areas, with 85-90% living in villages. Census 2011 reports the tribal population as 9,590,756, which is 22.85% of Odisha’s total population and 9.20% of the national tribal populace. Notably, 68.09% of Odisha’s tribal population inhabits Scheduled Areas. Malkangiri district has the highest ST population, while Puri has the lowest.

Demographic Profile of STs in Odisha

1. Total ST Population: 9,590,756.

• District with Highest ST Population: Malkangiri (57.4%).
• District with Lowest ST Population: Puri (0.3%).

1. Literacy Rate of ST: 52.24%.

• District with Highest Literacy Rate: Puri (74.62%).
• District with Lowest Literacy Rate: Malkangiri (35.23%).

1. Sex Ratio of ST: 1,029 females per 1,000 males.

Scheduled Areas of Odisha

The fifth schedule of the Indian Constitution (The Scheduled Areas Order 1977) identifies seven districts as fully covered and six districts partly covered under Scheduled Areas. These include:

1. Fully Covered Districts: Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Malkangiri, Sundargarh, Nabarangapur, Rayagada.
2. Partly Covered Districts: Sambalpur (Kuchinda tehsil), Keonjhar (Telkoi, Champua, Barbil), Kandhamal (Baliguda, Udayagiri), Ganjam (Ghumsur), Kalahandi (Rampur, Langigarh), Balasore (Nilagiri).

Major Scheduled Tribes of Odisha

Odisha’s tribal population belongs primarily to the Australoid group, concentrated in the northern (Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh) and southern (Koraput, Ganjam, Phulbani) belts.

1. Kondhs:

• Largest tribal group, rich in cultural heritage and nature-revering values. The Malua Kondhs are the predominant subgroup.
• Dongria Kondhs reside on Niyamgiri slopes, relying on agriculture enriched by perennial springs.
• Speak the Kui language, closely related to Gondi, Konda, and Kuvi.

1. Sauras:

• Ancient tribe mentioned in Hindu myths, expert climbers, and hunters.
• Concentrated in Paralakhemundi and Gunupur areas of South Odisha.
• Worship deities like Sandhidemudu and Jakaradevatha; known for Saura paintings (ikon), which hold religious significance.
• Speak the Munda language and exhibit proto-Austroloid features.

1. Bhumias:

• Found in Koraput, Malkangiri, Phulbani, Ganjam, and Sundargarh. Rank second in population after Koyas.
• Village head called Mukhia; arranged marriages are uncommon in Nabarangpur.

1. Gonds:

• Spread across Kalahandi, Koraput, and other hill tracts. Agriculture and forest produce collection are their main occupations.
• Marriages within blood relations, adhering to Hindu customs.

1. Bondas:

• Small, isolated tribe in Malkangiri, known for their independent and stubborn nature.
• Reside on mountains at a height of 3,000 feet, living in Bonda hill under Khairput block.

1. Koyas:

• Inhabit the northern hills of the Godavari district and Malkangiri. Speak the Koya language (Dravidian family).
• Engage in tobacco, maize, and paddy cultivation; celebrate the Bijapandu festival in Chaitra.

1. Matias:

• Found in Dhenkanal, Malkangiri, Balangir, and Kalahandi. Cultivate maize, tobacco, and vegetables.

1. Dharuas:

• Reside in Korukonda block of Malkangiri. Speak Parji, part of the Dravidian language family.

1. Didayis:

• Settled along both sides of the Machkund river in Malkangiri. Known for their neat houses made of wood and bamboo.

Scheduled Castes (SCs) in Odisha

The SC population forms a significant part of Odisha’s demographic, totaling 7,188,463 individuals, which is 17.13% of the state’s population. The Panas are the most prominent SC group.

Demographic Profile of SCs in Odisha

1. Total SC Population: 7,188,463.

• District with Highest SC Population: Ganjam (688,000).
• District with Lowest SC Population: Gajapati (39,000).

1. Highest Proportion of SC Population: Sonepur (25.6%).

• Lowest Proportion: Gajapati (6.78%).

1. Literacy Rate of SC: 69.02%.

• District with Highest Literacy Rate: Jagatsinghpur (78.33%).
• District with Lowest Literacy Rate: Gajapati (51.03%).

1. Sex Ratio of SC: 987 females per 1,000 males.

Initiatives for Development of SCs and STs

Various programs and schemes have been launched to ensure the welfare and development of SCs and STs in Odisha.

1. Academy of Tribal Language and Culture (ATLC):

• Promotes tribal languages and cultural heritage; publishes dictionaries, folklore, and journals.

1. Dispersed Tribal Development Programme (DTDP):

• Targets the 27% of STs living outside ITDA/MADA/Cluster areas.
• Offers financial aid, irrigation facilities, and self-employment training.

1. Focussed Area Development Programme (FADP):

• Facilitated by the Odisha Tribal Development Society, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for ST families through land and non-land activities.

1. Grants under Article 275(1):

• Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides annual grants for the welfare of STs, covering the entire TSP area.

1. Inter-Caste Marriages:

• A cash incentive of ₹50,000 is given for inter-caste marriages between SCs and other Hindu castes to promote social integration.

1. Legal Aid Assistance:

• Provides support for SCs/STs in establishing land rights and fighting cases under the PCR Act, 1955, and POA Act, 1989.

1. Modified Area Development Approach (MADA):

• Aims to develop tribal populations in contiguous patches outside TSP areas, having populations of 10,000 or more with at least 50% tribals.

1. Micro Projects for PVTG:

• Implemented for the all-round development of 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) in the state.

1. Odisha Tribal Empowerment and Livelihood Programme (OTELP):

• Initiated in 2005, ensuring food security and livelihood for poor tribal households through sustainable natural resource management.

1. Odisha PVTG Empowerment and Livelihood Improvement Programme (OPELIP):
   • Implemented in 12 districts; aims to improve food security and livelihood opportunities for tribal communities, focusing on agricultural enhancement and micro-enterprise promotion.

Important Note:

• The Odisha Tribes Advisory Council (TAC), established under Article 244(1) of the Indian Constitution, was amended in 1999. It consists of a maximum of 20 members, with three-fourths representing STs in the State Legislative Assembly.

Comparative Overview of Major Tribes in Odisha

Tribe	Location	Language	Main Occupation	Unique Features
Kondhs	Niyamgiri Range	Kui	Agriculture	Nature-revering, speak Kui
Sauras	Paralakhemundi	Munda	Hunting, Agriculture	Religious, Saura paintings
Bhumias	Koraput, Malkangiri

| Various | Agriculture | Custom marriage practices |
| Gonds | Kalahandi, Koraput | Gond | Forest Produce | Marriages within relations |
| Bondas | Bonda Hill, Malkangiri| Bonda | Agriculture, Hunting | Fiercely independent |

MCQ: Which district in Odisha has the highest proportion of Scheduled Caste population?
a) Gajapati
b) Ganjam
c) Sonepur
d) Malkangiri
Correct Answer: c) Sonepur