Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday inaugurated annual Adivasi Mela-2019 at IDCOL Exhibition Ground here.
The 15 day colourful festival showcases the art, artefacts, culture, tradition, and music of tribal community. This year 180 stalls have been set up to facilitate sell of tribal products. The event will end on February 9.
“It will strengthen the livelihood of the tribal communities by creating a sustainable market and business opportunities for tribal artisans. Odisha’s sustained is focus to empower tribal populace through connectivity, tribal hostels, healthcare, agriculture and nine special development councils,” said Patnaik.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Patnaik also announced Jiban Samparka Project, in partnership with UNICEF, to generate awareness among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) in Odisha on various development and welfare initiatives of State Government, especially on women and child welfare.
Jiban Samparka’s focus areas will include skill development, empowering communities, cooperation and innovation among the groups. Of 75 tribal communities in the country, 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups reside in remote and far-off areas of 12 districts in Odisha.
SC and ST Development Minister Ramesh Majhi and Women and Child Development Minister Prafulla Samal were present.
