Bhubaneswar, Ap 6: The Government of Odisha has constituted Special Development Councils (SDCs) across 23 districts, with a focus on accelerating development in tribal-dominated regions while preserving their socio-cultural identity. Alongwith the formation, the state government on Monday announced the names of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons for each district.
The initiative aims to strengthen grassroots governance and ensure targeted implementation of welfare programmes in tribal areas. The councils will work towards promoting tribal art, culture, traditions and community development, along with supporting infrastructure and livelihood initiatives.
Key appointments across districts
The government has appointed leadership teams for the councils in all 23 districts. Notable appointments include:
Angul: Chairman – Basistha Nayak; Vice-Chairman – Surumani Chhatar
Bolangir: Chairman – Ballav Dharua; Vice-Chairman – Jayanti Bhoi
Balasore: Chairman – Bipin Marandi; Vice-Chairman – Jharana Singh
Bargarh: Chairman – Gobardhan Bhoy; Vice-Chairman – Tilotama Bhue
Boudh: Chairman – Damarudhar Kanhar; Vice-Chairman – Jharana Jani
Deogarh: Chairman – Prashanta Kumar Behera; Vice-Chairman – Pramila Kisan
Dhenkanal: Chairman – Nauri Singh; Vice-Chairman – Sebati Bhoi
Gajapati: Chairman – Kamdev Badnayak; Vice-Chairman – Pankajini Dalai
Ganjam: Chairman – Nilamadhab Patra; Vice-Chairman – Lalita Pradhan
Jajpur: Chairman – Rajendra Kandulia; Vice-Chairman – Sani Jarika
Jharsuguda: Chairman – Samal Naik; Vice-Chairman – Sanjukta Oram
Kalahandi: Chairman – Bijay Kumar Disari; Vice-Chairman – Rina Bhoi
Kandhamal: Chairman – Managobinda Pradhan; Vice-Chairman – Kaplana Kumari Kanhar
Keonjhar: Chairman – Mamita Naik; Vice-Chairman – Manas Kumar Naik
Koraput: Chairman – Bhagaban Muduli; Vice-Chairman – Sukanti Majhi
Malkangiri: Chairman – Gangadhar Sodi; Vice-Chairman – Sabitri Padiami
Mayurbhanj: Chairman – Dr Budhan Murmu; Vice-Chairman – Koushalya Naik
Nabarangpur: Chairman – Basanti Majhi; Vice-Chairman – Lingaraj Bhatra
Nuapada: Chairman – Er Homesingh Majhi; Vice-Chairman – Belamati Majhi
Rayagada: Chairman – Bidyadhar Sabar; Vice-Chairman – Majula Miniaka
Sambalpur: Chairman – Bhagindra Kisan; Vice-Chairman – Sushama Munda
Sundargarh: Chairman – Santosh Kumar Amat; Vice-Chairman – Gangi Kindo
The SDCs will function as key planning and implementation bodies at the district level. Once funds are allocated, the councils will identify priority areas, decide resource utilisation, and oversee execution of development projects tailored to local needs.
In addition to development work, the councils will play a crucial role in preserving tribal heritage, including traditional art forms, crafts and cultural practices, while also working to improve socio-economic conditions in these regions.
Sources indicate that several appointees were associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the 2024 elections but were not fielded as candidates, suggesting a possible political dimension to the appointments.
The formation of SDCs is being viewed as a strategic step by the state government to ensure focused development in tribal belts while strengthening administrative outreach at the grassroots level.
