Population of PTGs counted at 78,519

Bhubaneswar: (visakeo)The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been implementing a 100% centrally funded scheme viz. 'Development of Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs)' for the conservation and overall development of PTGs. This was stated by PR Kyndiah, Minister of Tribal Affairs in a reply of a question by BJD MP Mohan Jena in Lok Sabha . He further added that as per information submitted by the State government, there are 13 PTG communities living in the State of Orissa. The total population of PTGs of Orissa was 58225 as per 1991 census. The PTG-wise population figure of 2001 census is not available. However, the population of PTGs of Orissa, as per Base Line Survey conducted by the State Government during 2007 is 78519. As per CCD Plan submitted by State Government of Orissa for the 11th Plan period, for the Mankirdia PTGs inhabiting Jashipur block of district Mayurbhanj, the State Government has identified certain priority areas viz. provision for providing cultivable land, housing, health facilities, residential education, connectivity, drinking water system and irrigation facilities, for attention. The Ministry has released Rs. 10.00 crore during current financial year for the development of PTGs of Orissa including Mankirdia PTGs, he added.