In a historic move, the Odisha Government on Friday awarded Habitat Rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) to 32 villages of the Paudi Bhuyan community in Deogarh district, marking a significant milestone under the Mo Jungle Jami Yojana (MJJM). Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena handed over the Habitat Rights titles to the community leaders at the Lok Seva Bhawan here.

Paudi Bhuyan, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PTVG), is the first indigenous community from Odisha to receive the Habitat Rights. It is the fourth such title awarded in India under the category following the Bharia PVTG in Madhya Pradesh and Kamar PVTG and Baiga PVTG in Chhattisgarh had legal title and rights over their forest habitats.

During the entire claim filing process, the technical support was extended by Scheduled Caste Scheduled Tribe Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI) under the ST&SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department.

Hailing the move, Commissioner-cum-Secretary ST&SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department Roopa Roshan Sahoo said. “This is a proud moment for all of us as the first PVTG community from Odisha, Paudi Bhuyans from Deogarh, have been awarded Habitat Rights under FRA.”

Indramani Tripathy, Director SCSTRTI and Director ST at the Department, said "It gives me immense pleasure to announce that the relentless efforts of the State programme management unit team along with the unwavering support of the facilitating NGOs have culminated in this official recognition.”

Chendali Pradhan (60), priest of the community goddess Rambha Devi of Paudi Bhuyan community, from Pacheripani village, after receiving the title document, said, “Now, we will be collecting the minor forest produce (MFP) from the forests and could sale it to the SHGs and government agencies under Laghu Bana Jatiya Drabya Kraya (LABHA) Scheme to ensure minimum support price.”