Tribal rights, identity and culture will always remain BJD’s priority: Naveen Patnaik

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President and Leader of Opposition (LOP) Naveen Patnaik reiterated the party’s commitment to protecting tribal rights, dignity, identity and culture while addressing the World Indigenous Peoples Day programme at Sankha Bhawan.

In his address, Patnaik said BJD has always stood firmly with tribal communities and would continue its fight for their rights and cultural protection.

Naveen Patnaik highlighted initiatives undertaken during the BJD government for tribal education, livelihood and socio-economic empowerment, including hostels, the Anwesha programme, forest rights and Special Development Councils (SDCs) in 23 districts for preserving tribal art, culture and traditions.

The Leader of Opposition also renewed the demand for inclusion of 169 tribal communities of Odisha in the Scheduled Tribe list, saying the party would continue its efforts until the demand is fulfilled.