Over 1 lakh people infected with COVID-19 in Odisha’s 13 tribal districts

Bhubaneswar: Over 1 lakh people have been infected with Novel Coronavirus in 13 tribal-dominated districts in Odisha, informed ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Minister Jagannath Saraka.

Replying to a query of Khandapada MLA Soumya Ranjan Patnaik on Friday, the Minister told the House that by February 23, 2021, total 3,28,432 persons have been infected with the COVID-19 in the State, of which 1,05,480 were from 13 tribal districts.

Showing the reason behind less number of COVID infections in areas inhabited by Scheduled Tribe communities, the minister pointed out that the very fewer people in tribal areas come in contact with public due to inaccessibility. The people have complied with the COVID rules in their area. The awareness campaigns have been effectively carried out by health workers, Anganwadi workers and panchayat-level officials.

Answering to another question asked by Patnaik on special assistance to tribals in the wake of COVID, Saraka said that as many as 55,292 beneficiaries have been provided aid by 700 agricultural and non-agricultural based incentive centers under Livelihood Mission in the State.

Light forest products worth Rs 30.32 crore from Scheduled Tribes have been procured by the TDCC at a minimum support price. To improve the skills of the people of this community, 7,560 beneficiaries have been trained in 73 areas, the Minister said.