Odisha's BJD Leader Urges Inclusion of 169 Communities in ST List and Tribal Languages in Constitution

Naveen Patnaik, Leader of Opposition in Odisha, urged the inclusion of 169 communities in the state’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) list and several tribal languages in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution during International Day of the World's Indigenous People. Patnaik emphasized BJD's commitment to tribal culture and development.

Naveen Patnaik, Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, has called for the inclusion of 169 communities in the state's Scheduled Tribes (ST) list, and the addition of several tribal languages in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

Patnaik, who made these demands during the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People at the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) headquarters, emphasized that the BJD government has long advocated for these changes. 'The proposal for including these communities has been pending with the Centre for a long time,' he noted.

Highlighting Odisha's diverse tribal population, Patnaik stated that the BJD's initiatives, including the formation of a Special Development Council and the establishment of hostels for tribal students, demonstrate the party's dedication to preserving tribal culture and promoting their development.