Odisha Government Announces Relief and Development Package for Malkangiri Violence Victims
Government announces package for affected communities in Malkangiri.
The Odisha government has unveiled a comprehensive relief and development package for tribal and Bengali communities affected by recent violence in Malkangiri district's Rakhelguda and MV-26 areas. The measures, finalized in a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, aim to deliver justice, rehabilitation, and sustained socio-economic progress following clashes triggered by the murder of a tribal woman.
Immediate financial assistance includes Rs 10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the family of the deceased Koya tribe member Lake Podami, whose death sparked the unrest. Additionally, residents of MV-26 village whose houses were damaged will receive up to Rs 75,000 each based on assessed losses, while affected shopkeepers are eligible for assistance up to Rs 20,000.
To address longstanding land disputes, authorities will strictly monitor pending cases under the 1956 Regulation on tribal land transfers, with the district collector required to review progress fortnightly. Landless tribal families will be prioritized for pattas under the Forest Rights Act and Odisha Government Land Settlement Act, alongside permanent titles for those displaced by the Machhkund Irrigation Project.
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The package extends to livelihood enhancement, with tribal families to be integrated into schemes such as the Chief Minister’s Agriculture Development Scheme and national employment programs. Irrigation facilities will be expanded to upland areas, and agricultural productivity initiatives will support local farmers.
Education measures include filling vacant multilingual teacher posts for Koya, Didayi, and Bonda languages in primary schools, increasing seats in higher secondary institutions, and constructing additional hostels for students from remote regions. Quarterly state-level reviews will ensure effective implementation across revenue and development sectors.
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